§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Labour whether there is any effective shortage of labour for agricultural work; and whether use will be made of French and other refugees with agricultural experience?
§ Mr. BevinDuring the past few weeks the demands for agricultural labour made to my Department have been satisfactorily met except in one or two areas in which there is a limited shortage. I am informed, however, by my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland 1031W and the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries that the steps they are taking to increase food production will call for a larger number of workers in agriculture, and my Department will co-operate fully in obtaining the additional labour when this demand becomes effective. Refugee labour will be included wherever it is suitable.