§ 17. Mr. SNOWDENasked the President of the Board of Agriculture what action the Board is taking to prevent the calling up for military service of T. Macklin, of Wyre Street, Colchester: why a representative of the Board of Agriculture did not appear at the hearing of the case on the 16th April after a promise had been given that this would be done; and whether the Board of Agriculture consider the national interests are being served in allowing the military to call up a man who has 34 acres of land under potatoes and is the largest fruit and vegetable dealer in the district?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThe case of Mr. T. Macklin is at present before the Central Tribunal. As the question of his exemption from military service is therefore sub judice, it is not desirable for the Board to express a definite opinion upon it. In reply to the second part of the question, no such promise as is I referred to appears to have been given by the Board.
§ Mr. SNOWDENIn the meantime will some steps be taken to prevent the calling up being made effective, or to obtain a postponement?
§ 18. Mr. SNOWDENasked the President of the Board of Agriculture if some action to prevent the calling to the Colours of Martin Wilkinson, of Ickorn-shaw Farm, Cowling, Keighley, who is solely responsible for the work of a farm of over twenty acres and a stock of cattle, poultry, and pigs; and, in view of the approaching hay harvest, will he request the military to withdraw the calling-up notice which matures on 12th June; and, further, will he inquire why the Board's representative at Selby has ignored requests to consider this ease and to protect the interests of agriculture?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThe Board are inquiring into this case and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.