HC Deb 30 July 1918 vol 109 c207
16. Mr. G. LAMBERT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the recent stormy weather has materially increased the difficulty of securing the harvest; and whether, therefore, the Government will reconsider their decision and release for the period of the harvest the skilled agricultural workers called to the Colours in May and June last?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)

I regret that the decision cannot be reconsidered, but, as I explained in an answer to my right hon. Friend on the 9th instant, soldiers in command depots and hospitals are being granted agricultural furlough to assist in securing the harvest.

Sir J. SPEAR

Cannot the matter be reconsidered with reference to all these men called up? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability, under the circumstances mentioned in the question, to liberate the men who are actual proprietors of farms, and let them go back during the harvest where there is no male person on the farm?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I cannot say more than I have said. It has been decided by the various Government Departments concerned and also by the War Cabinet.