HC Deb 31 January 1949 vol 460 c1384
69. Brigadier Rayner

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in order to encourage the recruitment of agricultural workers, he will consider giving new entrants a trial period in which they are not subject to the Control of Engagement Order and can leave the occupation if they wish.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Ness Edwards)

No, Sir. The present arrangements are very flexible and, I think, adequate. New entrants to agriculture are not held to it by the order until agriculture has become their normal occupation, and I see no advantage in prescribing a fixed trial period of three months.