50. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in connection with mechanical equipment on the farms throughout the country, he will arrange better facilities for maintenance and repair than exist now; and whether he will endeavour to ensure that in every district competent agricultural engineers are available to give special consideration to those members of the Forces who have gained mechanical skill in the R.A.F. and R.E.M.E. to set up on their own, or join existing agricultural engineering firms, so as to provide for the regular servicing of farmers' machines.
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)Facilities for the maintenance and repair of agricultural machinery should improve as more skilled labour becomes available with the release of men from the Forces. Discussions are now in progress with representatives of employers and workers in the trade, and the Ministry of Labour hope shortly to arrange a scheme for the training of persons released from war service who wish to enter employment in the industry.
Mr. De la BèreDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the need for speeding up this matter, since maintenance and repair are vital on farms to-day?
§ Mr. WilliamsMost certainly.
Lieut.-Colonel DowerCan the Minister say whether these men may apply under the Class B release scheme?
§ Mr. WilliamsI believe that when the Ministry of Labour's scheme is available, those who emerge under Class B may be able to qualify for tuition while doing their ordinary jobs.