HC Deb 04 July 1940 vol 362 c1005
57. Sir P. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture what county war agriculture committees, as in Hampshire, have organised teams of conscientious objectors for work on land reclamation, etc.; and whether steps will be taken for the more general use of the services of conscientious objectors in this kind of work?

Mr. Hudson

The need for gang labour varies in different counties, and not many committees have as yet found it necessary to organise gangs on farms. Efforts are being made by the local offices of the Ministry of Labour and the committees to utilise, either individually or in gangs where they are used, the services of those conscientious objectors who are available and suitable for agricultural work.

Sir P. Hurd

Can my right hon. Friend give some idea of how far this matter is under process and how far it is being done by the encouragement of his Department?

Mr. Hudson

We encourage it in all the ways we can.

Sir P. Hurd

How many committees have responded?