HC Deb 30 July 1946 vol 426 cc768-9
27. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the freedom now enjoyed by English farmworkers to change their employers while remaining within the industry and the similar freedom soon to be granted to Scottish miners, he will take steps to have the standstill order amended so as to grant the same liberty of movement and engagement to Scottish farmworkers.

Mr. Ness Edwards

The matter is being discussed with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Mr. Stewart

Are not Scottish farm workers to be given the elementary right of liberty to work for whom they will?

Mr. Edwards

This country still wants food, Sir.

Mr. Stewart

Does not the hon. Gentleman recall that English farmworkers have that right and that Scottish and English miners are to have it? Why is it refused to Scottish farmworkers?

Mr. Edwards

I have not said that it will be refused.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the right of any man to change his employment will inevitably disappear as the Socialist experiment proceeds?