HC Deb 02 December 1941 vol 376 cc987-8
15. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that some National Service officers are giving authority to men to leave their present farm employment without reference to the county agricultural committees and the needs of increased food production and for skilled workers on particular farms; that this action is causing alarm and discontent; and what steps he proposes to take?

Mr. Johnston

I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on the subject, and I shall be obliged if the hon. Member will forward any particulars of such cases as he has in mind.

Mr. Stewart

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the agricultural committees recently prepared a detailed summary about each of the farmers in their areas, giving particulars of the labour required, and that these valuable summaries have been ignored by the National Service officers?

Mr. Johnston

I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will let me have particulars.