§ 54. Mr. W. Robertsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in the case of farm workers whose calling up has been postponed to dates during this summer, any further postponement will be granted in the event of the employers of such men applying through the county war agricultural executives?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithIt is open to farmers whose employés have been granted a period of postponement of calling up to apply, through the county war agricultural executive committees, for an extension of that period. Such applications for extension will receive sympathetic consideration, but farmers should, in the meantime, make every effort to obtain suitable substitute labour.
§ Mr. RobertsMay I ask for an assurance that there is a possibility that extensions will be given, because there is a feeling among agricultural communities that as no men are to be released from the Army it is useless to go on making application for postponements?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThere is a difference between a permanent release and a postponement. I will send the hon. Member a copy of the instructions which have been sent out.