HC Deb 18 April 1918 vol 105 cc558-9
33. Mr. JOWETT

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will make special inquiries concerning the position of Mr. W. Reddiough, farmer, Lower Heights, Cullingworth, Yorks, who is ill and totally unable to do any work whatever and whose farm of 73 acres, with twenty-four milking cows, four young cattle, sixty-six sheep and lambs, and 150 poultry, is left with the services of one youth in consequence of Mr. Reddiough's son, No. 240649, 59th Division, Y Battery, Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Field Artillery, British Expeditionary Force, France, being returned to his unit; and what action he intends to take to prevent the further reduction of the stock on this farm which must take place immediately if no action is taken?

Sir R. WINFREY

Gunner Reddiough had one month's leave from France for the purpose of helping on his father's farm, and towards the end of the period an application was made on his behalf to the Board of Agriculture for their assistance in getting an extension. But owing to the present military situation in France, the War Office have suspended extensions of leave for all men in the Expeditionary Force. Thy father has been advised to apply for any additional labour or help that he may require to the agricultural executive committee for the county.