§ 28. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many members of the W.L.A. have responded to the appeal to continue in the service in Scotland; and how many are still required.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Thomas Fraser)Six hundred and thirty members of the Women's Land Army in Scotland who had completed two years' service on 31st March last indicated their willingness to serve for a further year, and 1,340 other members, enrolled during the war, are continuing in the service for the present, without commitment as to period. The 420 members who have joined since the end of the war with Japan have undertaken to serve for at least two years. As regards the latter part of the Question, no estimate of requirements has been made. The present rate of enrolment is sufficient to meet current demands.
§ Sir T. MooreMay I take it that the hon. Member is satisfied that the terms and conditions of service and of discharge of these young women are sufficiently attractive to maintain the necessary numbers?
§ Mr. FraserThe original Question makes no reference to terms and conditions of service.
§ Sir William DarlingAm I right in understanding the hon. Gentleman to say that no attempt has been made to get the number of women required for the important business of agriculture in Scotland?
§ Mr. FraserI think the hon. Gentleman will be aware that a lot depends upon the farmers and what they have to say in this matter. At the present time, we are meeting the demand.
§ Major HaughtonDoes the Minister think that the terms and conditions are adequate to the services performed by these people?
§ Mr. FraserI do not think that point arises out of the Question.