§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that a very large number of agricultural labourers, who by reason of old age or physical infirmity are of a low economic value to their employers, view with apprehension the recent increases of wages decided upon by the Agricultural Wages Board on the ground that these big increases will inevitably lead to much unemployment amongst the old, the infirm, and the unskilful; and, if the answer be in the affirmative, will he take any steps to remedy this situation?
Sir A. BOSCAWENWorkers affected by any mental or other infirmity or physical injury rendering them incapable of earning the minimum wage may apply,
— Ex-Service. Civilians. Total. 1. Total number of men who have applied for smallholdings to the County Councils and Councils of County Boroughs and to the Ministry for acceptance on its Farm Settlements. 38,869 12,439 51,308 2. Applications approved 22,191 6,603 28,794 3. Men actually settled:— By Councils 5,956 1,181 7,137 By the Ministry 522 144 666 Total 6,478 1,325 7,803 4.Approved applicants not yet provided with smallholdings. 15,713 5,422 21,135 5.Applicants still to be approved, or whose applications are under consideration 7,853 3,906 11,759