HC Deb 25 February 1943 vol 387 cc297-8
48. Mr. W. Brown

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that the limit of four miles, which members of the Women's Land Army are not to exceed in cycling to their daily work, is observed; and that they are not required to cycle longer distances to and from the site of their work?

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)

There is no Regulation which fixes the maximum distance that members of the Women's Land Army should cycle to their daily work. The Land Army endeavours to make accommodation arrangements which will avoid long daily journeys, and I have not received complaints that members are having to walk or cycle unduly long distances.

Mr. Brown

Is the Minister not aware that some of these girls have to cycle many miles a day to work? Will he not give the matter further consideration?

Mr. Hudson

The hon. Member has not listened to the answer which I gave him, which was that I have received no complaints. If the hon. Member has any complaints, he had better send them to me.

Mr. Brown

May I be sure that if I do I shall get both action and consideration from the right hon. Gentleman?

49. Mr. Brown

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will make Regulations to provide that land girls under a certain age shall not stand on the drums of threshing machines; and whether he is satisfied that all precautions are taken to ensure that existing Regulations are fully observed?

Mr. Hudson

I do not think it desirable to make a Regulation such as is suggested. Although 17-year old girls are accepted by the Women's Land Army if they are specially suitable, most of the members are of 18 years and upwards. Where it is necessary for a Women's Land Army member to act as feeder in a threshing gang, a careful and responsible type of girl is selected. Apart from the general instructions issued to those responsible for threshing sets, care is taken to explain the working of the threshing machine to members of Land Army threshing gangs. I believe that the safety Regulations are well understood and observed.

Sir F. Fremantle

Is the Minister aware that some of these girls of lower age are extremely able, and that a large proportion of them do the work very well?