§ 55. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that a man, having served more than 12 months in the R.A.F., cannot be released for work on the land, where his services are required, unless his application for release is approved in turn by the local A.E.C., the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Labour and the Air Ministry; and if Me will take steps to simplify and speed up the procedure in such cases.
§ Mr. IsaacsI have been asked to reply. I am aware that the procedure for submitting applications for the release in Class B of named agricultural workers is as stated in the Question, except that the applications are made by employers, and not by the men themselves This procedure is essential to ensure that out of turn release is granted only where it is justifiable, and I have no reason to think that it has led to any undue delay
§ Mr. DaviesDoes my right hon. Friend realise that the application has to go to the agricultural executive committee, and that if they agree they pass it to the Ministry of Agriculture, if they agree they pass it to the Ministry of Labour, and if they agree they pass it to the Air Ministry? Does he not think that that leads to undue delay?
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, Sir; as my answer indicates, this procedure is essential to ensure that no one is taken advantage of.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithWill the right hon. Gentleman say what by the standards of his Department constitutes undue delay?
§ Mr. IsaacsIt all depends on the period concerned, and the cases under consideration.