HC Deb 13 December 1945 vol 417 cc620-2
50 and 59. Squadron-Leader Sir Gifford Fox

asked the Minister of Labour (1) in what proportion the additional 10,000 men to be released under Class B for agricultural work are to be released from each of the three Services, respectively; whether any instructions are being issued with regard to their distribution throughout the country; and how many men will be released during the next three months, respectively; (2) whether, to ensure an immediate and effective response to his purpose for a block B release of 10,000 agricultural workers, he can give an assurance that men so released will not be compelled to work out of range of their present homes or in districts other than those of their own choice.

Mr. Isaacs

Of the 10,000 men who are being released in Class B for agricultural work, it is anticipated that approximately 1,100 will come from the Royal Navy, 6,700 from the Army and 2,200 from the Royal Air Force. Every effort is being made to effect the whole of the releases as quickly as possible. Save in exceptional circumstances, men who accept Class B release to agriculture will be placed by the Ministry of Labour and National Service after consultation with agricultural executive committees, either with their previous employer or on another farm near their homes. Every effort will be made to place the men on the farms to which they desire to return.

Sir G. Fox

Can the Minister give any indication of the date when these people will be released?

Mr. Isaacs

It all depends on where they are at the present moment. Those who are near home will be released early, whereas there will obviously have to be some delay in regard to those who are overseas.

Mr. Turton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that 10,000 will not be sufficient, and will he increase the number to 20,000?

Mr. Isaacs

I hope other steps will be taken to deal with that, but at the moment I can only deal with the question relating to 10,000.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Is there any qualification attached to these men or are they ordinary agricultural labourers?

Mr. Isaacs

I am dealing with that subject in another Question.

54. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in order to expedite the release of agricultural workers, he will obtain from the W.A.E.Cs. the names of men for whom application has already been made and been turned down by them.

Mr. Isaacs

No, Sir. The agricultural workers to be offered release in Class B will be selected by the block release method and not by the nomination of individuals. Releases would not be expedited by taking the action suggested by the hon. Member.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will preference be given to milkers and stockmen whose categories are the most short at the present time?

Mr. Isaacs

The next Question deals with that point.

55. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will now specify the agricultural occupations in which 10,000 men are to be released from the Services under Grade B block release procedure; and the numbers in each occupation.

Mr. Isaacs

I had intended to circulate a statement in the Official Report, but in view of the interest in this matter I will give the details now. The 10,000 men will be made up as follows: General farm workers, 4,000; Market garden workers, 250; Shepherds, 150; Cattlemen, stockmen, yardmen, dairymen, 2,000; Carters, horsemen, ploughmen, 2,000; Agricultural machine attendants, tractor drivers, threshing machine attendants, 200; Farm or market garden labourers, 1,000; Rural craftsmen, 400 (by nomination); Total, 10,000.

Mr. Turton

Will there be any priority to these different occupations, or will they all be released at once?

Mr. Isaacs

We hope we shall be able to release them so rapidly that the question of priority need not arise.