HC Deb 14 October 1946 vol 427 cc110-1W
69. Mr. J. Morrison

asked the Minister of Agriculture what plans he has for labour for the agricultural industry in view of the fact that prisoner-of-war labour is to be repatriated; and what steps are being taken to provide labour for the harvest in 1947.

Mr. T. Williams

The agricultural returns for June last show that the regular labour force is increasing, and it is expected that a substantial number of German prisoners will still be here next summer; but the 1947 production programme will call for the continuance of other special measures. Farmers will recognise the need to do all they can to recruit labour on their own account, but they can be assured that the Government will do everything within its power to see that enough labour is available to deal with the crops which it asks or directs them to grow.