HC Deb 27 June 1918 vol 107 cc1220-1
40. Major CHAPPLE

asked whether any provision has been made for the full representation of co-operative societies on county central food committees?

Mr. CLYNES

The original instructions issued to local authorities by the Food Controller asked them to consider the desirability of appointing representatives of the co-operative movement as members of the food control committees in their areas, and I understand that such appointments have been generally made. I shall be glad if the hon. and gallant Member will inform me of any instance in which further representation appears to be required.

60. Mr. WATT

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that certain food production committees in Scotland are remitting to one of their number to decide whether there shall be permitted or otherwise all appeals of agricultural workers between eighteen and twenty-three; who, therefore, has the final say, after a certain point, as to whether these men shall serve or not; and, if so, will he say whether this mode of action has the sanction of his Department?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)

For the purpose of considering whether applications on occupational grounds lodged by agricultural workers under the Proclamation of the 20th April should be certified by the Board of Agriculture, the Board, acting with my approval, asked each district agricultural executive committee to appoint a member or officer to act as the Board's local representative in the matter. The Committees were also asked to arrange for obtaining the services, where necessary, of any other members of the committee to assist the Board's representative with their local knowledge in considering any given case or set of cases. In cases where, after discussion with the representative of the National Service Department, there was disagreement as to whether certification of the application was justified, reference was made to Edinburgh for discussion between the Board and the Director of National Service and for final decision of the point. The work is now complete.