§ 27. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the gang labour force of the county agricultural committees has been unemployed for approximately one-third of the year; and whether this type of unemployment was included in his official figures for the period in question.
§ Mr. IsaacsI assume that the hon. Member has in mind the statement made in the eleventh report from the Select Committee on Estimates in respect of the financial year 1947–48. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries that the figures quoted relate to time lost through holidays with pay, sickness, travelling time, wet time (when no work could be done) as well as unemployment. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative.