§ 50. Mr. Goochasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that 32,000 farm workers left the industry last year; that the terms of the Agricultural Price Review have resulted 167W in a lack of confidence amongst farmers; and if he will, therefore, now make an announcement regarding a long-term plan for agriculture.
§ Mr. NugentMy right hon. Friend is aware that the number of farm workers has fallen. Last December there were about 23,000 fewer regulars in England and Wales than a year earlier, and on the day of the return—owing to seasonal factors—there were also over 9,000 fewer casuals at work. In spite of this the estimated net output in 1955–56 has recovered to the level of 1953–54, which does not indicate lack of confidence. The Government's objectives in agricultural policy and the methods by which they should be achieved have been clearly stated in the White Paper on the Annual Review and Determination of Guarantees, 1956, and in previous White Papers following Annual Reviews.