85. Mr. Slaterasked the Minister of Labour the figures, as at April, 1953, of those who are engaged in agriculture; and how this figure compares with the years 1951 and 1952.
§ Mr. WatkinsonFigures for April, 1953, are not yet available. The total number engaged in agriculture (including horticulture) at March, 1953, is estimated to be one million compared with 1,017,000 at March, 1952, and 1,035,000 at March, 1951. The total includes farmers and other self-employed persons as well as employees.
86. Mr. Slaterasked the Minister of Labour, in view of the increasing demand for greater production in agriculture, what steps are being taken through his department, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, to offset the fall in employment on the land.
§ Mr. WatkinsonVacancies in agriculture are amongst those to which the employment exchanges give first preference. They bring employment in agriculture to the notice of all suitable workers, and last year they placed nearly 37,000 workers in regular or seasonal employment in the industry. In addition, this Ministry recruits trainees for the vocational training scheme run by the Ministry of Agriculture, and last year170W over 900 trainees were placed in the industry after practical training on farms. Each year conferences are held with representatives of both sides of the industry in the counties and other organisations concerned, to assess seasonal labour requirements and to make arrangements to meet the needs of the harvest.