HC Deb 21 September 1939 vol 351 cc1055-6
39. Mr. Hammersley

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will arrange for the employment of women inspectors to replace male inspectors formerly employed in the National Mark grading of agricultural produce, so that the high standard and commercial goodwill attached to the mark through many years work will not be wasted?

The Minister of Agriculture (Colonel Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith)

No, Sir. I regret that owing to the control to which supplies of various commodities must necessarily be subject in time of war it is not possible to continue the National Mark grading schemes. The schemes have undoubtedly effected a substantial improvement in the marketing of home produce and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have given the National Mark movement their support and encouragement. The advantages of proper grading and packing are now widely recognised and I feel sure that the suspension of the schemes will not mean that the work of the past few years will be wasted.

Mr. Hammersley

Will not the absence of this National Mark be a great discouragement to those who have been improving the standard of agricultural produce; and could not the scheme be kept alive even in respect to National Mark fruit, in respect of which there has been great improvement due to its introduction?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I very much doubt whether in present circumstances we shall be able to continue the National Mark scheme, but if it should be possible to do so we will try our best to reinstate it.

Viscountess Astor

Can the Minister of Agriculture assure us that he is going to do more about employing women in agriculture and get them organised than has been done up to now, as his Department has been the slackest of all, while there are thousands of women ready' to take men's places?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

The response of women to the appeal for the Land Army has been perfectly magnificent, and we are getting on with the training as quickly as possible.

Viscountess Astor

But you are a year too late.

Mr. George Griffiths

Has the noble Lady only just found that out?

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