AGRICULTURAL WORKERS (COUNTY COMMITTEES)

HC Deb 21 April 1948 vol 449 cc147-8W

Mr. Sharp

asked the Minister of Agriculture what approximate amount of labour, by nationalities, is now under the control of county agricultural executive committees; and what were the corresponding numbers six months and 12 months ago.

Mr. T. Williams

Following is a table setting out the number of agricultural workers under the control of C.A.E.C.'s in England and Wales:

—	31.3.47	At 30.9.47	31.3.48
WORKERS IN A.E.C. EMPLOYMENT:
British	33,453	34,920	34,605
Polish	—	2,592	2,645
European Volunteer Workers	—	8,858	15,144
German civilians	—	—	7,654
Total	33,453	46,370	60,048
PRISONERS OF WAR	101,645	104,003	16,370

The figures for prisoners of war show the total working strength available to committees, and include both regular and seasonal workers. The other figures exclude seasonal workers (e.g., persons attending volunteer agricultural camps, Service personnel, etc.), for whom work is arranged by C.A.E.C.'s, but who are not actually in C.A.E.C. employment.