HC Deb 20 January 1942 vol 377 c188
25. Commander King-Hall

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the national importance of our agricultural effort at the present time and the shortage of labour for agriculture, and subject to the exigencies of the military situation, he will consider releasing soldiers for work on the land every six months instead of annually as at present?

Sir E. Grigg

Key workers on farms may be granted agricultural leave up to a total of 28 days annually, but the leave may be taken in one or mere periods, subject, of course, to military requirements and the recommendations of the War Agricultural Executive Committees. The question of increasing the maximum annual total of 28 days has been carefully considered, but it has not been found possible to do so on military grounds.

Commander King-Hall

Does that apply only to cases where troops are available locally, so that they may be allowed one or two days to work on the farms?

Sir E. Grigg

That is a question about troops as units. The original Question relates to them as individuals.