§ 82. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the statement of Mr. Thomas Atkins, J.P., chairman of the Ongar Tribunal, concerning the declared intention of the War Office to take more men from agricultural work; whether he is aware that this chairman has declared that the work of his colleagues and himself in trying to act fairly between the farmers and the military authorities was to be undone, and that he intended to throw the job up and make room for others; and whether he can state the latest arrangements that have been reached between his Department and the War Office regarding men of military age employed as agricultural labourers?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. Acland)My attention had not previously been called to the statements alleged to have been made by the gentleman named.. The latest arrangement made as to agricultural labour was briefly described in an answer to a question by the hon. Member for Tavistock on the 12th of last month, and I am sending my hon. Friend a circular which sets it out in greater detail.. This arrangement does not supersede the work of tribunals, and I feel sure that when he realises this Mr. Thomas Atkins will continue the work he has undertaken for the country with the same gallantry and devotion as distinguishes his namesakes.