asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the large number of agricultural workers who, through no fault of their own, are being discharged as a result of the slaughter of cattle in areas infected with foot-and-mouth disease, whereby their usual work is ended; whether the Ministry will at once assist the promotion of measures for the temporary relief of these men; and whether there are any funds from which Government assistance could be granted for distribution under proper administration?

Mr. WOOD:

The information at my right hon. Friend's disposal does not support the view that any large number of agricultural workers are being discharged in Cheshire, but he will be glad to consider any evidence which the hon. Baronet has on the subject. The local officers of the Ministry have been able to find employment for a number of men who would otherwise have been unemployed, and preference is always given to agricultural workers. There are no public funds out of which assistance could be given.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of approaching the Treasury for a grant in order that there may be a payment to some of these agricultural labourers out of the funds received under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, because in that way the party opposite would be able to fulfil their election pledges?