§ 52. Mrs. Tateasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the necessity of increasing home food production and the demands consequently made on farmers, he will urge the immediate formation of a house stewards' branch of the 299 Women's Land Army, and also permit girls who have had previous experience of the land to join the Women's Land Army and enjoy the benefits of the uniform and all the concessions made to that corps?
Mr. HudsonIt is not proposed to form a house stewards' branch of the Women's Land Army. Members of the Women's Land Army are recruited and are needed for full-time employment on the land. I have consulted my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service, who is of opinion that it would not in general be justifiable to recruit young and mobile women for employment on domestic duties. He is, however, taking other measures to help over the shortage of farm domestic labour. On the further point raised by my hon. Friend, I would refer to the reply given on 4th February to my hon. Friends the Members for Louth (Lieut.-Colonel Heneage) and East Islington (Mrs. Cazalet Keir).
§ Sir J. LambIs my right hon. Friend aware that many farmers would be willing to employ these women on the land, but are precluded from doing so because their wives are not able to look after them and can get no domestic help at all?
Mr. HudsonYes, Sir, I am aware that that is the case in a number of instances, and that is why I have approached the Minister of Labour and National Service to try to find a remedy.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonIs it not possible to get more Italian prisoners?
§ Mr. PriceIs it not the case that where house stewards have been appointed they have been very successful?