HC Deb 02 October 1941 vol 374 cc711-2
53. Sir Leonard Lyle

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is taking every step in his power to prevent the proposed call-up, on 1st October, of 10,000 farmworkers, whose presence is urgently required on the land for ploughing and other purposes?

Mr. Hudson

My hon. Friend will now have seen the recent announcement that the proposed call-up has been deferred until after the end of November.

Sir L. Lyle

Has this matter been considered by the War Cabinet, and further, how is it possible for any industry, whether agriculture or any other, to satisfy the demands made every day by Ministers for greater output if they have not the necessary labour?

Mr. Hudson

The decision was a decision of the Government.

Mr. Shinwell

Although the decision is deferred until November, does not the Minister see that next year we shall have to consider this matter? From where will he produce the farm workers?

Mr. Hudson

There will be an opportunity to consider the matter again before the end of November.