§ Mr. W. SMITHasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any information as to the percentage of unemployment which at present exists in agriculture; and, if not, whether, in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour, his Department will inquire into the question?
Sir A. BOSCAWENNo official statistics exist as to the percentage of unemployment in agriculture, but I have no reason to suppose that the proportion of regular agricultural labourers who are unable to find employment is abnormal 445W at the present time, though, owing to the existence of unemployment in other industries, casual workers are in excess of the demand. General inquiries in regard to this subject are made by my Department from time to time, but an inquiry which would show accurately the percentage of unemployment would present great difficulties, and I do not think the expense involved would be justified.