§ 26. Mr. Turtonasked the Secretary of State for War whether, now that farmers 1093 are having to pay the rate for the job in respect of prisoners of war, he will review the rates paid to prisoners of war in order to induce a higher output; and what steps he is taking to secure that agriculture is not made liable to pay the full rate for inefficient work or time spent idling.
§ Mr. LawsonI have the remuneration of prisoners of war for work under constant review, but there are certain difficulties about making any increase in their rates of pay. The second part of the Question is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture who decides what farmers should pay.
§ Mr. TurtonWill the Minister look again at the second part of the Question which is his sole responsibility, and, whatever the difficulties, will he take steps to ensure that these prisoners of war do produce the food that Britain requires?
§ Mr. LawsonI am discussing this matter this afternoon.