61. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the inadequate agricultural labour available to meet the exceptional conditions created by the recent floods and blizzards and the vital and urgent need to restore and develop cultivation at the earliest possible moment, he will consider utilising temporarily the services of some 20,000 groundsmen and green keepers at present employed by golf clubs throughout the country, since most of these men have had wide experience of working on the land.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsAll practicable steps are being taken to supply enough labour for flood relief and cultivation work. I have no power to require groundsmen or green-keepers to take up agricultural work.
Mr. De la BèreCould not the right hon. Gentleman make a request? Surely, these golfers have some sense of proportion, in view of the acute food shortage it, this country, and, no doubt, a request would produce some of these men to help in this very grave emergency?
§ Mr. WilliamsI am sure that all these gentlemen will have noted the appeal made by the hon. Member.