§ 53 and 54. Sir A. Knoxasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) what steps he is taking to find work on the land for men registered as conscientious objectors on condition that they undertake such work; how many men have been so registered; and how many of them have been found work;
(2) whether he has considered the possibility of employing gangs of conscientious objectors under the general supervision of the war agricultural committees to increase food production?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on 11th July and to that given to my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Sir P. Hurd) on 4th July. All that can be added at the moment is that 868 conscientious objectors registered on condition that they take up agricultural work had found employment in agriculture up to the end of June.
§ Sir A. KnoxHow many of the men who have been told off to get employment in agriculture are still waiting for employment in agriculture and are remaining at their own jobs?
§ Mr. HudsonI cannot say.
§ Mr. StephenWill the right hon. Gentleman consider employing gangs of retired generals in agriculture?
§ Sir A. KnoxThe right non. Gentleman has given no answer to Question No. 54.
§ Mr. HudsonI answered it with Question No. 53.
§ Sir A. KnoxBut you have not given an answer. Will you consider the possibility of carrying out that suggestion?
§ Mr. HudsonThe answer was given to the hon. Member for Devizes when I said that certain county committees were already doing so.