§ 14. Mr. Tiffanyasked the Minister of Labour if agricultural workers will be granted the same exemptions in call-up to His Majesty's Forces as are granted to coalminers.
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, Sir.
§ Mr. TiffanyIn view of the fact that agriculture ranks with power, fuel and transport as a basic requirement, why should not the same exemptions he applied to agricultural workers as are applied to colliery workers?
§ Mr. IsaacsAt the present moment agricultural workers in certain classes are automatically deferred. We are proceeding under the arrangements for deferment, but it is not intended to grant actual exemption.
§ Mr. Wilfrid RobertsIs it the right hon. Gentleman's intention to defer all agricultural workers this summer, at any rate?
§ Mr. IsaacsI would not say that. There are a number of classifications, and I will he glad to send the information to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. BossomDoes not the Minister think that food is equally as important as coal?
§ Mr. IsaacsThe hon. Gentleman is asking me to express an opinion instead of dealing with facts.
§ Mr. AwberyWill the building trade operatives also be included in the system of deferment?
§ Mr. IsaacsI am answering the Question on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. Martin LindsayDoes the Minister not appreciate that once again farmers are being asked to save the country, and they cannot do it if they are short of labour?
§ Mr. IsaacsI said they were automatic ally deferred. There is a difference between deferment and exemption.