HC Deb 20 May 1942 vol 380 c237
62. Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Minister of Supply whether he has authorised the setting up of a Timber Corps of the Women's Land Army upon a military basis, with wages and conditions less than those of the agricultural worker; and whether it is intended to use this corps on work for private contractors?

Sir A. Duncan

The Timber Corps is not a military organisation but a part of the Women's Land Army working for the Home-Grown Timber Department. By agreement with trade unions concerned, the wages of the Timber Corps are based on trade rates for the home-grown timber trade, allowance being made for free uniform, travel warrants, etc. In the aggregate the terms are not inferior to those of agricultural workers. Members of the Timber Corps working for private undertakings will remain employees of the Home-Grown Timber Department.