HC Deb 01 March 1917 vol 90 cc2129-30
52. Mr. ORDE-POWLETT

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that very many farmers will be unable to increase the amount of arable land on their holdings, and in many cases will have to reduce the amount at present under plough owing to indispensable horsemen, etc., having been called up; and whether, as it is vitally important to increase the supply of home-grown food, he will issue instructions that men who, in the opinion of the Board of Agriculture, after consultation with the local war agricultural committees, are absolutely indispensable shall receive exemption, until at any rate the necessary ploughing and sowing have been completed?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD Of AGRICULTURE (Sir Richard Winfrey)

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. In reply to the first part of it I may say that the Board are well aware of the position and are doing their best to meet it. In reply to the latter part I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given by me on Tuesday last to questions by the hon. Member for the Leigh Division of Lancaster.