HC Deb 30 July 1942 vol 382 cc688-9
52. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in order that whole-time officers in the war agricultural committees, working seven days a week in the summer season, may be granted exemption from Home Guard duties during this season, he will confer with the Secretary of State for War in order to obtain his co-operation in this matter, in view of the importance this year of the maximum home production of food,

Mr. Hudson

Under existing arrangements, commanders of Home Guard units may, at their discretion, reduce the hours of duty and training where men work long hours, and it is open to whole-time officers of county war agricultural executive committees, like other members of the Home Guard, to apply to their individual commanders for relief when essential civilian work renders this necessary.

Mr. De la Bère

Will my right hon. Friend bring home to the proper authorities the vital necessity of Home Guards who will be engaged in harvesting having as much exemption as possible in view of the acute position of the shortage of labour?