§ 13. Major Beamishasked the Minister of Labour how far there is still a shortage of agricultural labour; and whether it is still the intention to exempt agricultural labourers from National Service.
§ Mr. IsaacsPartly because of favourable weather conditions during the 1949 season and partly because of the normal 237W seasonal decline in the activity of the industry at this time of the year, there is no general shortage of labour at the present time. Additional agricultural workers will, however, be required in 1950 and for the next few years in order to achieve the production targets set by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton (Mr. Collins) on 8th November last