§ 56. Brigadier Petoasked the Minister of Agriculture whether there has been any increase in the number of permits issued for the supply of Thermos flasks to farmers and agricultural workers this winter; and whether he is aware that the Devon branch of the N.F.U. has a waiting list of well over 1,000 for vacuum flasks at the present time.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsMy Department's allocation of flasks permits has been increased very substantially for January and February, and I hope for a further increase later. This should help to reduce the outstanding applications from farmers and farm workers in Devon and other parts of the country.
§ Brigadier PetoAlthough I am glad there has been an increase, no doubt the Minister is aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction. Will he explain why agricultural labourers should not have a hot drink when workers in other industries can go to a canteen and get one?
§ Mr. WilliamsI do not see any reason why agricultural labourers should not have a hot drink, and that is why we are increasing the number of permits available to them.