§ 4. Mr. Carmichaelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what preparations he is undertaking to discontinue the employment of young school children for potato harvesting.
§ Mr. J. StuartAs I indicated in my reply on 2nd February to a similar Question by the hon. Member, we are seeking to ensure that the fullest use is made of all adult labour available.
§ Mr. CarmichaelIs the Minister aware that there are farmers in Scotland who have the necessary machinery and equipment which do not require the employment of child labour? When does the right hon. Gentleman intend to abolish this constitutional kidnapping of poor children, because not a single Member of this House would allow one of his own children to harvest potatoes?
§ Mr. StuartIt is very good exercise.
§ Mr. CarmichaelYou never did it.
§ Mr. StuartThat is where the hon. Gentleman is wrong. I have done it, and I regard it as good exercise. If I were younger, it would be good for me now.
§ Mr. WoodburnCan the right hon. Gentleman say what progress has been made in finding a machine suitable for dealing with the clay soils of Scotland and for doing this job?
§ Mr. StuartProgress is being made, and there is no doubt that eventually machinery will be the solution to the matter. To take Glasgow alone, only 2,000 children were required this year as against 3,350 in 1949, which shows a drop of 40 per cent.