§ 24. Sir Frank Pearsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent the annual decline in the numbers of agricultural workers is in accordance with the lines laid down in the National Plan.
§ Mr. John MackieThe outflow of workers varies from year to year.
The National Plan indicated a fall in the labour force by 1970 of some 140,000, but no annual rate of outflow was given. The Agricultural Census shows a reduction between June, 1964, and June, 1967, of some 84,000 regular workers.
§ Sir F. PearsonAgainst the background of the Minister's acceptance of the need for increased agricultural production, may I ask whether he will now recognise that in many parts of the country there is an acute shortage of trained stockmen, and will he revise his previous policies and take steps to encourage the recruitment of such men?
§ Mr. MackieUp to now, with a steady decrease in the labour force, we have had a steady increase in efficiency and production. We see no reason for this not to continue. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that there are areas of the country in which there is a scarcity of stockmen, but if he would like proof that labour can come out of agriculture he should look at page 37 and the photograph in last week's issue of The Farmer's Weekly.
§ Mr. MackintoshWould not my hon. Friend agree that there are some parts of the country in which the run-out of labour in agriculture affects all sections of industry, and is extremely serious? Will he consider the suggestion made by my hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, North (Mr. Hazell), about bringing forward the wages award so as immediately to encourage the retention of workers in this section of the industry?
§ Mr. MackieI do not think that bringing forward the award would have any effect. I agree with the hon. Gentleman opposite, as I do with my hon. Friend, that there are areas in which labour may be scarce but I do not think that either the hon. Gentleman's or my hon. Friend's suggestion would make any difference in the meantime.