HC Deb 05 March 1918 vol 103 cc1814-5
80. Mr. WATT

asked the Minister of National Service whether his attention has been called to the number of farmers' sons throughout the country there are engaged on the land and who are very fit militarily and between the. ages eighteen and twenty-five; and, if so, has he considered the advisability of substituting for these men soldiers of agricultural experience who have done their share of the fighting on the various fronts?

Sir A. GEDDES

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on the 24th January by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of National Service, and to the answer given by the Under-Secretary of State for War to the hon. and gallant Member for Banffshire on the 5th February.

Mr. WATT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many farmers' sons of between fifteen and eighteen there are in the country?

Sir A. GEDDES

I cannot go into that.

Mr. PRINGLE

Has substitution taken effect to any extent in the case of farmers' sons?

Sir A. GEDDES

There is a shortage of really skilled agricultural labour in this country, and at present we are engaged in reinforcing the supply of skilled labour to assist food production.