HC Deb 21 February 1957 vol 565 cc569-70
11. Mr. C. Hughes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of agricultural workers who left employment on the land during the year ending 31st December, 1956.

Mr. Amory

The provisional result of the return taken on 4th December, 1956, showed that during the previous twelve months there had been a net reduction of 12,800, or just under 3 per cent., in the number of regular full-time agricultural workers employed in England and Wales. The total number of employed workers, including part-time, seasonal and casual workers, showed an increase of 1,700.

Mr. Hughes

If it continues, will not this annual reduction in the agricultural labour force have a very serious effect on agricultural production in this country, especially taking the long-term view? Can the right hon. Gentleman say what constructive steps he is taking to halt this serious decline?

Mr. Amory

We must keep this matter in perspective. From the point of view of ensuring that our agriculture remains competitive and able to pay proper remuneration to those employed in it, it is very important that we should report continuing progress in reducing expenditure in terms of manpower per unit. I think it important that we should bear that in mind. The hon. Member may be interested to know that the December return showed that in his locality of Anglesey there appears to have been an increase this year of 177 regulars and 241 others, but I would ask him to remember that the return is based on a sample and, therefore, must be treated with some caution.

Mr. P. Wells

Will the right hon. Gentleman help by taking more care of the type of letter that he sends to the National Farmers' Union in future?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Would my right hon. Friend tell us whether the decline in agricultural workers is to some extent offset by a rise in forestry work?

Mr. Amory

In some parts of the country, it is, notably in Wales, where every year I am glad to see there is an increase in the number of workers employed on very stable employment in forestry. I hope very much to see that trend of employment in forestry steadily increase over the years. As to production, it is encouraging that so far the reduction in manpower in the industry has not had the effect of causing a reduction in total output.

Mr. J. Griffiths

I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman realises that one cause for concern about this reduction—we recognise that mechanisation is in some way responsible—is that the young are leaving the industry? Taking the long-term view, is not that a rather serious matter?

Mr. Amory

It would be, and up to quite recently what the right hon. Member has referred to was taking place, but I am more hopeful now that the industry in general is retaining an increasing proportion of young men, and young men of a very good type.