§ 59. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture how much working time has been lost by German prisoners of war, under his Department's control,. since 15th January, and if he will issue instructions to A.E. Cs that men for whom no useful farm work can be found temporarily should be employed clearing woodland, so providing stocks of wood fuel for next winter.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThese German prisoners of war who are normally working in agriculture but have been unable to do so during the recent severe weather have, as far as possible, been reallocated by the appropriate authorities for the clearance of lines of communication under the normal arrangements for ensuring the full employment of prisoners of war on work of national importance. County war agricultural executive committees are already authorised to lend prisoners for lopping and topping work in woodlands when they are not required for more urgent duties
§ Mr. HurdCan the Minister give any idea of the number of German prisoners 791 not usefully employed today, as, in my own district, it would run into several hundreds, possibly thousands?
§ Mr. WilliamsI could not answer that question without notice.