§ 48. Mr. Anthony Nuttingasked the Minister of Agriculture how many applications for the release of agricultural workers under Class B have been received by the Leicester W.A.E.C.; how many such applications have been supported and forwarded to his Department by the Committee; in how many cases has his Department recommended release; and how many releases have actually been obtained.
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)One hundred and nine applications for Class B release under the individual specialist scheme of persons formerly engaged in agriculture have been received by the Leicestershire War Agricultural Executive Committee. Of this number 18 were supported by the Committee and forwarded to my Department which recommended release in five cases. Release has been approved in three cases; one application was rejected by the appropriate authority and the decision in the remaining case is awaited.
§ Mr. NuttingMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the new statement regarding the widening of the scope of block releases which he sent in a recent letter will involve reconsideration of cases which have been previously rejected either by his Ministry or by Service Departments?
§ Mr. WilliamsThe statement made by my right hon. Friend will involve block releases; releases will no longer be confined exclusively to specialists.
§ Mr. NuttingWill it involve reconsideration of cases previously refused?