HC Deb 30 January 1918 vol 101 cc1536-8
59. Sir J. D. REES

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether Mr. P. M'Dougall, Commissioner, and the six Sub-Commissioners for Live Stock in Scotland, who are with one exception of military age, are or are not performing the duties of Commissioner and Sub-Commissioner, respectively, at the present time; if they are, from what date have they been so engaged; whether the local agricultural committees concerned have been consulted as to the continuance of the exemptions they have obtained; whether such exemptions were given on the ground that their presence on their farms was essential; and will he say why such exemptions are continued now that they have found time to accept paid official appointments under Government?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Mr. Clynes)

With regard to first part of the question, the hon. Member would appear to be under a misapprehension. Of the six Deputy Live Stock Commissioners for Scotland three, not five, are of military age. Mr. M'Dougall was appointed in September, and the Deputy Live Stock Commissioners in November and December, 1917. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative, and to the fourth part in the affirmative. In regard to the last part of the question, it is considered by the Ministry of Food that in view of the importance and responsibility of the work done by Mr. M'Dougall and his Deputy-Commissioners, it is in the national interest that their exemptions should be continued, and Lord Rhondda is in communication with the Minister of National Service on the subject.

Sir J. D. REES

Do I understand that Lord Rhondda, the Minister of Food, has decided that no other persons can be found in Scotland who are not of military age to perform these functions?

Mr. CLYNES

My reply states that he is in communication with the Minister of National Service on the subject.

Mr. PRINGLE

Will that answer be communicated to the Amalgamated Society of Engineers?

Mr. CLYNES

I see no reason for that.

61. Sir J. D. REES

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Board of Agriculture in Scotland was originally charged with the duty of dealing with all questions affecting live stock and has on its staff men of experience in this behalf at least equal to that possessed by the Live Stock Commissioner and Sub-Commissioners of military age; and, if so, whether the last-named officers will now he released for military duty?

Mr. CLYNES

The Food Controller is not aware that the Scottish Board of Agriculture has at any time been charged with the duty of exercising control over the supply, distribution, and prices of live cattle arid dead meat; nor is he aware that any person on its staff has had previous experience of the special problems arising out of the necessity for fixing prices and controlling distribution. The second and third parts of the question do not, therefore, arise.

Sir J. D. REES

For what purpose does this body exist if it cannot deal with primary agricultural needs like this?

Mr. CLYNES

There are many other purposes than those stated in the question of my hon. Friend.?

Sir J. D. REES

Why are these exempted from their purview?

62. The HON. MEMBER

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether Mr. James Picken, Sub-Commissioner for Live Stock, South-West Area, in Scotland, was recently refused exemption by the Appeal Tribunal sitting at Dumfries; whether he has now been released for military duty or is still occu- pied as Sub-Commissioner of Live Stock; and, in the latter event, whether the Food Controller will now cancel his appointment as Sub-Commissioner?

Mr. CLYNES

Since Mr. Picken accepted an appointment as Deputy Live Stock Commissioner for the South-West of Scotland his exemption as a farmer has been cancelled by the local tribunal. The question of his further exemption on the ground that he is necessarily engaged on work of national importance is now under discussion with the Ministry of National Service.

Sir J. D. REES

Is it a fact that this gentleman, having been refused exemption by those who are aware of himself and his circumstances, is being held back from the Army by a Government Department?

Mr. CLYNES

No doubt those circumstances were taken into account in determining this case, and have been laid before the Ministry of National Service.

Sir J. D. REES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his answers to-day have not given the impression of a satisfactory decision in that respect?

Mr. SPEAKER

We can form our own judgment.