HC Deb 06 June 1917 vol 94 cc146-7
8. Mr. G. LAMBERT

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what action has been or is to be taken to supply the labour requisite for the cultivation of 3,000,000 extra arable acres desiderated by the Prime Minister?

The PRESIDENT Of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Prothero)

The methods by which the supply of labour necessary to carry out the Government programme for an increased acreage under cereals and potatoes can be assured are under discussion. The relative claims of the Army, agriculture, and other essential industries upon the available labour must be subject to readjustment from time to time in accordance with the military and political situation. The right hon. Gentleman may rest assured, however, that whatever may be the scale of the effort asked from the farmers of the country, a corresponding supply of labour will be secured before the effort is finally called for.

Mr. LAMBERT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say or can he give a guarantee on behalf of the War Cabinet that the labour requisite for these 3,000,000 acres of extra cultivation will be forthcoming in readiness for the seeding time?

Mr. PROTHERO

I prefer to leave the answer where I put it, that whatever may be the scale of the effort asked from the farmers of the country a corresponding supply of labour will be secured.

Colonel YATE

Will the soldier labourers be available now in all the counties calling for them?

Mr. PROTHERO

As soon as efforts begin to be made the labour will be there.

Mr. MOLTENO

Does the answer of the right hon. Gentleman apply to the necessary horses as well?

Mr. PROTHERO

Yes.