HC Deb 03 June 1919 vol 116 cc1831-2
86. Mr. HAYDAY

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether ho is aware that large numbers of German prisoners are employed on farms; whether he is aware that the presence of these prisoners is giving rise to friction with our own workmen; and whether steps will be taken to remove the prisoners without delay?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

German prisoners are at present employed on farms in districts where no other labour is available. I am not aware that the presence of these prisoners is giving rise to friction. Instructions have been issued that no German prisoners are to be employed in districts where the Labour Exchange can supply labour, and the Ministry of Labour and the Board of Agriculture arc closely co-operating in this matter. I may add that there is a great shortage of agricultural labour, and the work on the land is seriously hampered for want of it.

Mr. HAYDAY

Can the hon. Member tell us the terms of contract upon which German prisoners were supplied to agriculturists, and do the agricultural rates apply, or is German labour paid at a cheaper rate than our own civilian labourer?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

There is a definite scale which I believe is a perfectly fair one, and if the hon. Member will put a question down, I will supply it.

Mr. W. R. SMITH

May I ask if he is aware that agricultural labourers are being discharged at the present time—[Hon. Members: "Where?"]—and whether, if any cases are sent to him, he will determine whether or not German labour is-required?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I only wish I knew where they were being discharged; I could certainly find employment for them.