§ 1. Sir Richard Wellsasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the shortage of land girls in Bedfordshire; and will he give instructions that girls who wish to serve in the Land Army should be permitted to do so and not directed to other forms of National Service?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)Having regard to other even more urgent requirements in certain areas, I cannot go as far as my hon. Friend asks, but it is my policy to allow freedom of choice to suitable applicants to join the Women's Land Army wherever this is possible.
§ Sir R. WellsIs the Minister aware that in Bedfordshire we require about 2,000 land girls to help us with our harvest this year?
§ 3. Sir Percy Hurdasked the Minister of Labour whether facilities under the further education scheme will be available to members of the Women's Land Army?
§ Mr. BevinYes, Sir. Although the scheme is primarily intended for persons demobilised from His Majesty's Armed Forces and their Auxiliary and Nursing Services, together with the Merchant Navy, Police Auxiliaries, full-time Civil Defence and Civil Nursing Reserve, persons who have served in other forms of war work, including the Women's Land Army, will be eligible for consideration.