§ 65. Mr. G. TERRELLasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that Private Percy Read, No. 47442, 3rd Wilts Regiment, a married man with one child, farming 169 acres of land at Ashton Keynes, Cricklade, Wilts, has been called to the Colours; whether he is aware that this farmer has no responsible person except his wife to take charge of the farm; that he has 60 acres of haymaking and 20 acres of harvest to be done; that he has twenty-eight cows in milk, besides a variety of other cattle; and, in the interests of food production, will he say what steps he proposes to take to secure this man's release from military service until after the harvest?
§ Mr. PROTHEROThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The man was called up for military service under the recent scheme requiring a certain quota from each county. In order to meet the demand other county executive committees were compelled to release for service men in a similar position. It is understood that none of the men thus called up can be released.
§ Mr. TERRELLDoes that mean that there is no alternative but for this man to realise his stock and close his farm down?
§ Mr. PROTHEROI believe that every assistance will be rendered to him by the Agricultural Executive Committee of the county, who are aware of this case.
§ Mr. TERRELLIs my right hon. Friend aware that nothing is being done?
§ Mr. PROTHEROI should like notice of that. It is not according to my information.