HC Deb 12 March 1946 vol 420 c929
36. Major J. Morrison

asked the Minister of Labour whether farmers, smallholders and men from ancillary occupations, who have served a minimum of one year in the Forces, are being, or will be, offered Class B release.

Mr. Isaacs

Farmers and smallholders are not dealt with under the block release arrangements, but are considered for release as individual specialists on application by the Agricultural Departments. Ancillary workers are also considered for release on application by the Agricultural Departments, but under a scheme of bulk nomination.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the release of workers upon dairy farms is proceeding satisfactorily?

Mr. Isaacs

That would be a matter of opinion. Obviously they cannot be wholly satisfactory until we have got them all out, but it is proceeding as satisfactorily as it can be under the circumstances.

Mr. David Eccles

Could the Minister say why a farmer is not allowed to come in block release? Have not some of these men, whose wives are carrying on for them, as much right to be released as farm workers?

Mr. Isaacs

If the scheme works as it is anticipated, it may be possible to get such men out more quickly under the nominated scheme than under block release.