HC Deb 23 May 1940 vol 361 c309
57. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the shortage of agricultural labour, he is arranging that refugees from Scandinavia and from Holland and Belgium, who have had previous experience of agriculture, shall be assigned through the county war agricultural committees to farmers who are able and willing to employ them?

Mr. Hudson

Yes, Sir. I am in touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on the matter.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will my right hon. Friend also bear in mind that there are many anti-Nazi Czechs, German and other refugees who were agricultural workers and might usefully be used in this work?

Mr. Lipson

May I ask who obtain information as to the number of refugees from the countries mentioned who have had previous agricultural experience?

Mr. Hudson

I think that is a matter primarily for the Minister of Labour and the Home Office.