asked the Minister for Local Government the total number of agricultural employees in respect of whom the employment allowance under the Agricultural grant was paid in each of the past five financial years and the estimates for this year; the amount payable in each year in respect of employees; and if there is any evidence that the employment allowance contributes to the stabilisation of employment in agriculture, in view of a reply of 12th November, 1964.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Employment Allowances.
14.
As the reply includes a tabular statement, I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.
Following are the details requested:
|
Year |
Number of persons in respect of whom employment allowances were granted |
Total amount of employment allowance |
|
£ |
||
|
1960-61 |
71,855 |
1,100,712 |
|
1961-62 |
68,464 |
1,060,854 |
|
1962-63 |
66,979 |
1,002,805 |
|
1963-64 |
64,682 |
979,947 |
|
1964-65 |
62,258 |
953,180 |
|
1965-66 |
60,000 |
936,652 |
|
(estimated) |
(estimated) |
It would not be practicable to give an accurate estimate of the extent to which the employment allowance contributes to the stabilisation of employment in agriculture.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say whether or not he considers there is any evidence that the allowance stabilises employment in agriculture?
I am afraid it is beyond me at the moment.
If the Parliamentary Secretary looks at the bottom of the tabular statement, that will tell him.