HC Deb 26 October 1944 vol 404 c347
58. Mr. Tinker

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state what steps he is taking to assist the farmers in finding labour to meet the difficulty in gathering in the potato crop which is being delayed through wet weather.

Mr. Hudson

The more important steps taken include enlisting the further help of the Navy, Army and Air Force, and of the Civil Defence Services; employing German prisoners to the extent of 16,000; and using the services of Italian prisoners transferred from land drainage or borrowed from other Departments.