§ 65. Lieut.-Colonel Bolesasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that when agricultural workers apply for Thermos flask permits to the Somerset county organiser of the National Union of Agricultural Workers, they are informed that owing to the short age of these permits they can only be supplied to members of the Union; and whether he will take steps to ensure that these permits are fairly distributed to all qualified agricultural workers whether or not they belong to this union.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe understanding which my Department has with the three organisations representing farmers and farm workers is that, within the limits of their allocations, they will supply permits to purchase 1-pint Thermos brand flasks to members and non-members alike. I have made inquiries about the area mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member, and have received from the National Union of Agricultural Workers an assurance that the undertaking is being observed so far as the supply of permits allows.
Mr. BaldwinDoes not the Minister think that the allocation of these flasks should be taken out of the hands of the National Farmers' Union or the agricultural workers' union and put into the hands of the county executive committees?
§ Mr. WilliamsNo, Sir.