HC Deb 09 October 1945 vol 414 cc10-1
26. Mr. Jennings

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make a further statement about the release from the Services of agricultural workers and building operatives, in view of the man-power shortage in both these industries.

Mr. Isaacs

Considerable assistance has been given to agriculture by the loan of Service labour to help with harvesting and by the grant of leave to agricultural workers. The question whether further steps by way of special releases from the Forces can be taken is under examination. As regards building operatives, the number to be released in Class B is the maximum number consistent with the principle of release by age and length of service. It is estimated that, in addition to the 70,000 workers to be released in Class B for building and ancillary industries, about 150,000 in these industries will be released in Class A by the end of 1945.