HC Deb 31 March 1947 vol 435 cc1658-9
52 and 53. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) what arrangements he is making to find out which farmers are prepared to accommodate and employ prisoners of war; and what response he has so far had to the Government's decision to make this possible;

(2) what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, to ascertain the number of prisoners of war willing to remain as free workers in agriculture; and whether he is prepared, if necessary, to establish a pool of labour from which farmers, who are losing their own men through repatriation, may draw.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and I are examining the details of the arrangements envisaged in the statement made by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour on 18th March, and a further statement will be made as soon as possible.

Mr. R. S. Hudson

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has seen the report in the Press this morning, and whether there is any truth in it, that the Government have decided to go back on the proposals made by the Minister of Labour for allowing these men to remain as employed labour?

Mr. Williams

I know of no such decision.

Mrs. Leah Manning

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether agriculture, in this case, includes forestry, as many of the men are skilled foresters?

Mr. Williams

Perhaps that is a question which my hon. Friend will put down, when I will give it consideration.

Mr. Henry Usborne

When finding out which farmers can give accommodation to prisoners, will my right hon. Friend also find out whether any can give accommodation to prisoners' families, and, if so, would it be in order to bring their families over here?

Mr. Williams

I think my hon. Friend might very well wait until the next statement is made.