§ 32. Mr. MOLTENOasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the condition of farms and small holdings in Dumfriesshire where corn cannot be thrashed, where land cannot be ploughed and where dairy stock has all been sold owing to the labour having been called up for military service; and whether there is any means of providing assistance with effective labour in these cases in view of the need for the greatest production of food?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)My attention has been called to-some instances in which difficulties have occurred in Dumfriesshire, as in other counties, through the calling up of workers for military service; but according to my information the conditions mentioned by my hon. Friend do not apply generally to farms and small holdings in Dumfriesshire. Labour to assist in agricultural work is being supplied to farmers who require it through the district agricultural committees by the National Service Department, who are acting in co-operation with the Board of Agriculture for Scotland.
§ Mr. WATTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this state of matters has been brought about by a very exacting tribunal, whose members always get their own gardeners exempt?
§ Mr. MUNROI have no information upon that subject, but if the hon. Gentleman puts down a question I shall be glad to look into it
§ Sir G. YOUNGERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that already nearly 2,500 men have been supplied all over Scotland by the National Service Department?
§ Mr. MUNROI believe that is so. In this connection the National Service Department has rendered most valuable-National Service.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of the ploughs sent by the National Service Department were useless?
§ Mr. PRINGLEIt is a fact.