Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Agriculture how many persons are employed full-time or part-time by his Department or county agricultural executive committees catching vermin; on 228W what basis are they recruited; and what are the salary or wages scales for such employment.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe number is approximately 1,400. Of these, 1,325, including 177 in the Women's Land Army, are employed by county agricultural executive committees and are primarily engaged in the destruction of rats, mice, rabbits and moles on farm lands. Seventy-five are directly employed by my Department and are primarily engaged in the destruction of rats and mice in food stores used by the Ministry of Food. Recruitment is mainly through the Ministry of Labour and National Service and the Women's Land Army. Wages for men range from £4 10s. a week (operator) to £6 10s. a week (foreman), varying according to area; the rate for women, £3 8s. a week.