57. Mr. de la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the Government's refusal to grant gratuities to the W.L.A., he can now indicate what improved conditions of service are contemplated with a view to stimulating recruitment.
§ 62. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider the desirability of making gratuities to members of the W.L.A. equal to those given to other members of His Majesty's Forces.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI would refer the hon. Members to the reply given on 15th October to the hon. Member for Bridgwater (Mr. Vernon Bartlett) and other hon. Members.
Mr. De la BèreIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is most unsatisfying in every way; and will he do something to ensure that these land girls have fair treatment and encouragement in view of the importance of their work?
§ Sir T. MooreIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the country as a whole, and the hon. Members of this House too, I think, if they had the courage to say so, are definitely dissatisfied with the way in which these Land Army girls are being treated, and will he please review the whole situation?
§ Mr. Sydney SilvermanOn a point of Order, Mr. Speaker, is it in Order for an hon. Member, in asking a question of a Minister, to impugn the courage of hon. Members of this House?
§ Mr. SpeakerMembers are responsible for what they say; one need not necessarily pay any attention to their statements.