§ 51. Mr. ADAMSONasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received any representations with a view to securing some relaxation of the conditions under which men in agriculture in Scotland exempted from military service are compelled to drill; whether he is aware that all such exempted men, provided they live not more than 3 miles from the drilling ground, have to drill for two hours on two evenings in the week, and usually on Sunday afternoon; that these men start work at five o'clock in the morning and do not finish until 6.30 p.m.; and whether, in view of their efforts in the interests of food production, he will endeavour to secure some relaxation of the conditions as to drill in all cases where a man is working these long hours?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)Representations have been received upon the subject mentioned by my right hon. Friend. They were directed particularly to securing some relaxation of the conditions during the busy period of spring work. I am not aware that the tribunals have imposed the requirement to join the Volunteer Force upon all exempted men living within 3 miles of the drilling ground without regard to the individual circumstances. I understand that the number of drills required is fourteen of one hour each per month until the Volunteer is passed as efficient, and thirty per quarter subsequently. I quite appreciate that it is a question for con- 152 sideration whether the requirement should be imposed upon men who are working continuously for such long hours as are stated in the question. The War Office agreed, on my representation, to allow men to put in thirty drills per quarter instead of ten per month, so as to enable them to attend when farm work is least exacting. I am prepared to ask the War Office to consider whether any further relaxation is possible.