§ 84. Colonel STIRLINGasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to a circular letter of 12th June from the secretary of the district agricultural committee for Ayrshire; and whether arrangements have been made and, if so, what arrangements for the supply of labour for the hay and corn harvests this year and for the supply of labour necessary for increased food production in 1918?
§ Mr. MUNROI have received a copy of the circular referred to. I am informed that the National Service Department has made arrangements whereby by means of National Service Volunteers, soldier labour and part time workers, an adequate supply of labour amounting to not less than 5,000 hands will be available for the hay and corn harvests in Scotland this year. The labour requirements in connection with food production in 1918 are also being kept in view. I am glad to take this opportunity of acknowledging the valuable services in the sphere of agricultural labour which have been rendered by the National Service Department.
§ Colonel STIRLINGWill the right hon. Gentleman have that information circulated throughout the county agricultural committees in Scotland?
§ Mr. WATTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that labour is constantly being taken from agriculture in Scotland, and that the War Office when questioned about it always say that they have the consent of the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Mr. MUNROIf the hon. Gentleman will give me an example of the case he quotes I shall be very glad to look into it.