HC Deb 20 October 1942 vol 383 cc1829-30
44. Sir Henry Morris-Jones

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will arrange with the military authorities to exercise their discretion, in the interests of food production and adequate rest and sleep for those working on the land, that men should not be unduly pressed for Home Guard drill and exercises?

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)

Instructions to this effect were issued some time ago. My experience is that Home Guard commanding officers generally have shown every consideration for the circumstances of agricultural workers and that they are working in close co-operation with the county war agricultural executive committees.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn to the recent prosecution in a court of law, and is he aware that in many parts of the countryside there is a feeling of disquiet against the undue measures that are being taken against agricultural workers by some Home Guard officers, measures which unduly harass men who are very hard workers?

Mr. Hudson

If the hon. Member is referring to a recent case which obtained a good deal of publicity, he will know that it is sub judice. I would only assure him that there is a good deal to be said on the other side, too.