HC Deb 06 March 1941 vol 369 c1016
51. Miss Rathbone

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the shortage of agricultural labourers and of recruits for the Women's Land Army, he will arrange for the admission to that army of alien women when they are personally suitable and when there are no well authenticated grounds known to the Home Office for suspecting them to be politically untrustworthy?

Mr. Hudson

Women's Land Army regulations already permit the acceptance of suitable aliens for enrolment, provided that consent is obtained from the local office of the Ministry of Labour with which they are registered.

Miss Rathbone

Does that include aliens of all nationalities?

Mr. Hudson

Yes, I think so. The main thing is that they should be able to speak English.

Miss Rathbone

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a strong impression that there are many of these refugees, including those of enemy extraction, who would very much like to join the Women's Land Army?

Mr. Hudson

Perhaps the hon. Lady will be kind enough to give me particulars.

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