HC Deb 04 April 1940 vol 359 cc316-7
52. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will confer with the Minister of Labour with a view to the utilisation of the many skilled building operatives who have now no work and are unemployed as a result of the Government's restrictions on building for a comprehensive tile drainage scheme throughout the country, in view of the many millions of waterlogged acres which are unsuitable for mole drainage; and whether he will implement legislation to effect this?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I have already been in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on this matter and I understand that the Government's programme of works and buildings is expected to absorb a large number of workers in the building and allied industries and therefore it cannot be assumed that skilled building operatives will be available for field drainage work on farms.

Mr. De la Bère

Would my right hon. and gallant Friend consider setting up training centres to train men to do draining work? Is it not increasingly certain that this drainage will have to be done in the near future, and would it not be wise to take the initiative at an early date?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I dealt with the question of training last night and I said that I hoped to make a statement in the near future.

Mr. Ralph Etherton

Would my right hon. and gallant Friend consider conscripting conscientious objectors for this work?

Mr. De la Bère

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend have a word with me afterwards?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

We will have some tea.