§ 44. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for War whether the orders de- 891 ferring the withdrawal of men from the agricultural companies for fourteen days covers both the Labour companies and the attached men; and, if not, considering that these attached men are key men in agriculture, will he have them so included?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Churchill)The orders postponing the withdrawal of men from agricultural companies for fourteen days cover both the men in agricultural companies and men attached to them.
§ 59. Colonel MILDMAYasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of his decision that all but 10 per cent. of soldiers attached to agricultural companies, and who are engaged on agricultural work, must be withdrawn from agriculture, he will consider the possibility of extending the period of a fortnight within which they must report at their centre, seeing that, in the case of the highly skilled agricultural labourers concerned, every additional week during which their services will be available on the land will contribute materially to efficient cultivation now so very backward owing to weather conditions?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLA fortnight's notice will be given to farmers before the withdrawal of men attached to agricultural companies. The withdrawal of men belonging to agricultural companies will not commence until the 28th May.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWho will select the 10 per cent. of the men to be retained?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLA subsequent question on the Paper deals with that.
62. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir JOHN HOPEasked the Secretary of State for War who will select the 10 per cent. of soldiers in or attached to agricultural companies who are to be allowed to remain on the land; and whether he has allotted a quota to be retained in each county, or in each parish, or on each farm?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThis answers the question of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for South Molton. The 10 per cent. of soldiers allowed to remain on the land will be selected by war agricultural executive committees in England and Wales and by Sub-Commissioners in Scotland. The assessment is made in each agricultural area.