§ 64. Mr. WATTasked the Minister of National Service whether he has proposed to the War Office at any time to man the farms of the country with soldiers of agricultural experience who have served abroad for two or three years or who have been wounded or gassed but are still fairly fit physically, and substitute there for farmers' sons and others on the land who have up till now done nothing in the way of fighting but who are physically fit for military service?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of NATIONAL SERVICE (Mr. Beck)As stated by the Minister of National Service in his speech in this House on the 14th January, it is the desire and intention of the Government, provided the recruiting situation permits, to give special consideration to men who have been severely wounded more than once. This will apply, of course, to any such men with agricultural experience. The vital need for increased food production does not permit the hope that even if all soldiers now unfit for active service who were agriculturists prior to enlistment be returned to the farms there will be any possibility in the immediate future of withdrawing any highly skilled men from the land.