§ 46. Mr. Mitchisonasked the Minister of Agriculture how the number of volunteers under the Volunteer Agricultural Camp Scheme compares with previous seasons; what is the approximate cost per head of feeding them; and whether he will consider some additional expenditure in order to provide more variety in the food and encourage volunteers to come again next year.
§ Mr. G. BrownThe bookings of volunteers at Volunteer Agricultural Camps in 1950 are equivalent to 113,500 weeks as compared with 129,000 weeks in 1949; the small reduction is due to a decrease in the need for their help during the summer months. The approximate260W weekly cost of food at wholesale prices, exclusive of catering services, is 14s. per person. I have no evidence that the existing standard of feeding is keeping volunteers away.