§ 62. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that marshmen in Norfolk engaged in harvesting litter, shofe and reed do not receive the extra seasonal rations which are allowed to agricultural workers; and, as the work done by these men is arduous, if he will review the matter and place these men in the same position as agricultural workers.
§ Mr. StracheyThe list of operations was decided, after consultation with the T.U.C. and the National Farmers' Union, as being those jobs which usually have to be carried out against time and weather and so entail long hours of work in the fields. I do not feel that this is one of the seasonal operations for which the extra allowances can be made available.
§ Brigadier MedlicottIs the Minister aware that this work is not only very 1584 difficult and arduous but is an essential part of agricultural operations generally, and that there is a good deal of feeling that these men are not getting the same amount of rations as agricultural workers?
§ Mr. StracheyWe are always willing to consider these borderline cases, but it is very difficult to draw the line at the right place.