§ 7. Sir Irving Alberyasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make some statement showing to what extent the Army assisted during the harvesting period?
§ Captain MargessonThe extent to which the Army has been able to assist farmers during the harvesting period has naturally varied very much from unit to unit. Commanding officers have been encouraged to meet the needs of farmers in their locality by providing labour on a day-today basis, wherever military requirements permitted, and the number of troops made available in this way during August was on the average not far short of 10,000 a day. Arrangements were also made for farmers to obtain the use of Army transport on direct application to the nearest 437 unit. In addition, agricultural workers in the Army were in many cases given special leave to return for work on their old farms for periods up to a month, and in view of the lateness of the harvest commanding officers were authorised to grant a fortnight's extension to those still on leave at the end of August.
§ Mr. MathersIn referring to commanding officers, does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman mean the immediate commanding officers of the men to be released, and is he aware that in a number of cases very serious delay has taken place through one officer referring the matter to another?
§ Captain MargessonI was not aware of that. I have received expressions of thanks from all over the country for the work which the Army did in the harvest.
§ Captain StricklandDoes my right hon. and gallant Friend give due consideration to a point of importance to the agricultural industry, namely, that of sending the same men to the same farm on consecutive days, as otherwise it takes men some time to get used to the work they have to do?