§ 16. Sir Robert Youngasked the Secretary of State for War what additional pay soldiers receive for agricultural work for 1029 which they are loaned to farmers; whether this is paid by the farmers direct to the men; what are the hours of work and other arrangements for their comfort; and whether the men can refuse to do such work?
§ Captain MargessonNo additional pay is given to soldiers for this work, and they continue to receive their normal Army emoluments and draw Army rations. The farmer is charged by the Army a sum equivalent to the rates normally payable for the work less the cost, up to 1s. a day for each man, of any liquid refreshment supplied by him. Officers or non-commissioned officers in charge of parties try to conform with the farmer's requirements as regards hours provided they are not unduly long. The military authorities supplying the men may withdraw or refuse to supply them unless they are satisfied that conditions of work are satisfactory. As this work is a military duty refusal to perform it would constitute a military offence.
§ Sir R. YoungIs there any arrangement to make sure that the men are capable of doing this agricultural work, or are they ordinary labourers, who need a lot of training?
§ Captain MargessonI do not know that I altogether appreciate the question. Agricultural work can be performed by soldiers.
§ Mr. ThorneSurely the man who is doing the job ought to be paid the rate for the job, whether a soldier or a civilian?
§ Captain MargessonThe job is performed as part of his military duties.
§ Mr. StokesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases the farmers would much sooner pay the men direct and get better work out of them?
§ Sir H. WilliamsAre soldiers in their spare time permitted to undertake agricultural work?
§ Captain MargessonI should require notice of that question, but I imagine that that is so.
§ Mr. Austin HopkinsonAre we to understand that forced labour is to be applied only to Service men, and not to civilians?