HC Deb 24 June 1915 vol 72 cc1327-8
33. Mr. SANDERSON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the military authorities are refusing to give furlough to soldiers of the New Armies and of the Territorial Force for work in the hay harvest on the ground that such soldiers are armed or can be armed; and whether, in view of the shortage of agricultural labour and the desirability of obtaining for the hay harvest the services of soldiers who are experienced in agricultural work, he will take steps to obtain the removal of the above-mentioned restriction?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)

All soldiers who are unarmed and who are accustomed to farm work will be allowed to go and help in the hay harvest.

Mr. SANDERSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the military authorities have made a rule that soldiers who are now armed are not allowed to go on furlough to help the farmers? Is he also aware that in many instances these are the very men who are wanted by the farmers?

Mr. TENNANT

That is entirely in accordance with the answer I have just given to the hon. Member.

Mr. MOUNT

To whom should these applications be made?

Mr. TENNANT

To the military authorities of the district.