HC Deb 17 April 1918 vol 105 cc387-8
68 and 69. Sir J. BETHELL

asked the Minister of National Service (1) if he will give the number of men fit for active service under thirty years of age engaged in agriculture who have been exempted from military service; and (2) if he will give the number of men fit for active service under twenty-five years of age engaged in agriculture who have been exempted from military service?

Mr. BECK

It is estimated that there are 120,000 men engaged in agriculture in Great Britain who are under thirty years of age. Of these, approximately, 63,000 are under twenty-five. They have not all been medically examined, but allowing for the fact that the men recruited from agriculture during the earlier part of the War were mostly fit for general service, it is considered that at least 33 per cent. of these numbers would be in that category.

Captain WRIGHT

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many men engaged in agriculture under the age of thirty have gone to the War either voluntarily or under compulsion?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Member must give notice of that question.