HC Deb 26 March 1953 vol 513 cc100-1W
76. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will make an appeal to retired people, holidaymakers, children and any others who are able to offer their services in helping farmers to gather in this year's harvest.

Mr. Nugent

I am glad to have this opportunity of paying a tribute to the valuable work which these part-time helpers have done in previous years and of expressing the hope that they will come forward again this year. My right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour is arranging for seasonal labour needs to be reviewed area by area in consultation with representatives of county agricultural executive committees and of the industry, so that action can be concerted locally for getting supplies of labour from all sources to meet the expected demand, particularly for the potato harvest. Anyone who is able to help and is not already in touch with a fanner will be encouraged to offer his or her services to the local offices of the Ministry of Labour in the first place.