68. Mr. C. WASONasked the Minister of National Service whether, in view of the fact that farmers, either by compulsion or from good will, have strenuously cultivated corn and potatoes, he will give some assurance that the men necessary will not be called up until after the harvest is secured?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of NATIONAL SERVICE (Mr. Beck)The great effort in the direction of food production made by the British farmers is fully appreciated, and every endeavour will be made to ensure a sufficiency of labour being available during harvest time. The Ministry of National Service is in constant consultation with the Departments responsible for agriculture. At the same time, in view of the military situation, it is quite impossible to give any general undertaking that men engaged in agriculture will not be called until after the harvest is secured.