55. Lieut.-Colonel Amoryasked the Minister of Agriculture how many men from the Services have been accepted for training in agriculture in the County of Devon.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThirty-three ex-Servicemen have been accepted for agricultural training in the county of Devon under the Government scheme. Of these, 24 are now in training, six are awaiting places and three have withdrawn.
56. Lieut.-Colonel Amoryasked the Minister of Agriculture how many applications for the release of agricultural workers under Class B have been received by the Devon W.A.E.C.; how many of these cases have been supported and for warded by that committee; in how many cases his Ministry have recommended re lease; and how many releases have been obtained.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsUp to I5th November, the Devon War Agricultural Executive Committee had received 286 applications, of which they supported 86. Thirty-nine of these applications were recommended by my Department to the appropriate authorities, who have approved release in 23 cases and rejected one case for non-compliance with the essential conditions. Decisions in the remaining 15 cases are outstanding.
Lieut.-Colonel AmoryIn view of these rather insignificant results, will the right hon. Gentleman stimulate the release of agricultural workers by relaxing the present rather rigorous restrictions?
§ Mr. WilliamsThe hon. and gallant Gentleman will know that we are only allowed to back up the applications of those who are recognised as specialists, 24 but we hope there will be a speeding-up shortly.
§ Mr. RentonIn view of the importance of the subjects involved, would the Minister consider issuing figures for the whole country similar to those which he has given for Devonshire?
§ Mr. WilliamsI will consider that request.