§ 72. Mr. HAYDN JONESasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an Order has been issued to soldiers attached to agricultural companies and who are engaged on agricultural work to report at their centre within the next fortnight; whether he is aware that, owing to weather conditions, farmers have been unable to cultivate their land, and that to withdraw these men now will be to deprive them of absolutely essential labour; and whether, in view of protests made by war agricultural executive committees and farmers, he will take immediate steps to cancel the calling-up notices and permit the men to continue to work on the land?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe withdrawal of soldiers employed on agriculture has been postponed for fourteen days in accord- 588 ance with the undertaking which my right hon. Friend gave in Debate on Tuesday last. My right hon. Friend has also given instructions for the retention on agriculture of 10 per cent. of the total number of men in and attached to agricultural companies now engaged in work on the land.
§ Mr. LAMBERTHow many men does that apply to?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am afraid I could not say.
§ Mr. FORSTERI am afraid I cannot answer details without notice. My right hon. Friend had intended to answer this question himself, but he is unavoidably detained. I communicated with him by telephone, but I am not in a position to stand a cross-examination.
§ Mr. DEVLINCan the right hon. Gentleman say why Ministers are everywhere but at the House of Commons at Question Time?
§ Mr. FORSTERMinisters have other duties besides those in this House.
§ Mr. DEVLINIs he aware that the chief function of a Minister is to come here to the House of Commons at Question Time?