§ 28. Captain WRIGHTasked whether there are at the War Office any returns showing the number of agricultural labourers who have voluntarily or compulsorily enlisted since the beginning of the War from the various counties in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, respectively?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo such returns are in the possession of the War Office, nor could satisfactory returns be obtained with regard to the earlier periods of the War.
§ 66. Captain WRIGHTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether there are at the Board of Agriculture any Returns showing the number of agricultural labourers who have voluntarily or compulsorily enlisted since the beginning of the war and the number of agricultural labourers now employed on the farms in the various counties in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, respectively?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Acland)Certain approximate Returns have been compiled by the Board of Trade for groups of counties in Great Britain, which I should be glad to show to the hon and gallant Member if he desires. I may add that the War Office propose shortly to take a census of the remaining agricultural workers, when further general particulars will be available.
§ 82. Major HUNTasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that a number of men now in the Army are medically unfit for fighting abroad, and in view of the shortage of agricultural workers, he could see his way to allow one of these unfit men to go back to work on the land for every fit fighting man taken off the land in the future?
§ Mr. ACLANDI will send the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the Circular Letter which explains the scheme of substitution now in force on the lines which he suggests.
§ 83. Major HUNTasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing price of food and of the shortage of agricultural labour, he can now see his way to preventing any more agricultural workers being taken for the Army except those under thirty-five passed fit for actual fighting service abroad; and whether he can now see his way to guaranteeing farmers in the United Kingdom for eatable wheat not less than 45s. a quarter up to December, 1917?
§ Mr. ACLANDIn reply to the first part of the question I will send the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the Department's circular, which explains the arrangement which has been made with the War Office for the retention of men engaged in the certified occupations on ordinary agricultural land until the end of the year and of similar classes of men engaged in the dairying industry up to 31st March next. In reply to the second part of the question I fear I can add nothing to my replies to his questions on the same subject on the 12th and 18th of last month.
§ Major HUNTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the question of the shortage of agricultural labour is getting more serious all over the country?
§ Mr. ACLANDYes, Sir. It is part of my business to be aware of it.
§ 37. Captain C. BATHURSTasked whether, in view of the value to farmers, if Home food production is to be maintained, of their horsekeepers, shepherds, and other highly skilled farm workers, and of their lessened value from a national standpoint when employed upon garrison duty at Home or abroad, he will instruct the appeal tribunals to authorise the retention of these men upon the farms if satisfied that they are unfit for more important military duties?
§ Mr. FORSTERAgricultural labourers who, when called up
are relegated to the Army Reserve for so long as it is necessary to retain them in civil employment.
- (1) are thirty-five years of age or upwards;
- (2) are classified in C2 or C3;
- (3) produce a certificate that their employer is anxious to retain their services;