§ 48. Mr. Mander (for Mr. W. Roberts)asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the difficulty in retaining workers to produce and distribute agricultural lime; and whether he will take the necessary steps, by reservation or otherwise, to secure that an adequate supply of agricultural lime is available to farmers?
Mr. HudsonThe supply of labour for the lime industry is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service, Quarry men and lime burners are at present reserved at the ages of 23 and 25 respectively, and other workers (except labourers) engaged in the productive process are reserved at 30. According to my information, the supply of agricultural lime is being reasonably well maintained, but if my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of any case where difficulty is being experienced, I shall be glad to have inquiries made.