§ Sir K. FRASERasked the Minister of Labour if about 250,000 agricultural labourers have been demobilised from the Army; if he has official information showing that many have not returned to work on the land, but have taken up other employment and are drawing unemployment pay; and, if so, what steps he proposes to-take to assist the farmers in Leicestershire, which county is exceptionally handicapped from the fact that in pre-war days it was to a great extent under grass, to procure labour on the land, which is so very urgently required?
§ Sir R. HORNEAbout 235,000 of the men already demobilised were employed in agriculture before enlistment. About 4,000 of them are now receiving out-of-work donation; but, according to the 1463W latest figures available, only thirty-seven of them were in Leicestershire. I cannot say how many of the 235,000 have taken up other employment than in agriculture. I will see what can be done in the way of importing agricultural labour into Leicestershire. Meanwhile, the hon. and gallant Member will perhaps assist me by letting me know what wages are offered by farmers in the localities which he has in mind, and what housing accommodation is available for imported labour.