§ 2. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the employment of prisoners of war to fill in craters made by enemy bombers in pasture-land?
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for War (Sir Edward Grigg)I have considered my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion and am satisfied that there are insuperable objections to putting it into effect.
§ 3. Rear-Admiral Beamish (for Rear-Admiral Sir Murray Sueter)asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for farmers to have military assistance in filling in bomb craters made on their lands?
§ Sir E. GriggThe Army is ready to render help to the civil population in every way which the civil authorities approve and in so far as its own main military duties of defence and training for attack permit.
§ Rear-Admiral BeamishIs my hon. Friend aware that there is a great number of these craters all over the country, and that this is rapidly assuming a very serous state of affairs? Will he take note that the Minister of Agriculture has been asked to help in the matter and that at present nothing is being done, and it is holding up a great deal of business?
§ Sir E. GriggI have said it is a matter for the civil authorities. I cannot take over the duties of the civil authorities.
§ Rear-Admiral BeamishWill the hon. Gentleman communicate with the Minister of Agriculture on the matter?
§ Sir E. GriggThat has already been done.
Colonel Arthur EvansWhat is the procedure? Do the local authorities apply to local officers, or does it go to the War Office first?
§ Mr. R. J. TaylorCould not the hon. Gentleman use the unemployed to fill in these craters?
§ Sir E. GriggThe War Office cannot keep the unemployed.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersWould it be impossible to get some of these mechanical diggers, because the farmers in my constituency are advised that the work of refilling the craters is quite beyond the powers of the local authorities?
§ Sir E. GriggThat is not the responsibility of the War Office.