§ 21. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the recent concern expressed by the members of the National Farmers' Union of Scotland in Ayrshire about the continued call-up of agricultural workers for Her Majesty's Forces; and what action he proposes to take to end the call-up.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes," and to the second that my right hon. and learned Friend could not agree to discontinue the call-up in cases where no serious loss of food production is involved.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that the National Farmers' Union in Ayrshire want to know how they can increase production if he is taking away the labour?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe answer to that, as I think the hon. Gentleman knows, is that all these deferments are looked at very sympathetically; that 83 per cent. of the applications for deferment were 750 granted and 94 per cent. renewal applications were granted. As we are only taking half of those who normally become available to us out of the agricultural industry, I think we are trying to meet the case.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the assumption from the hon. Member's reply to the original Question that if men are taken away from the land food production is not retarded?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe assumption—and I hope the right hon. Gentleman is not trying to mislead the House and the country again on the question of the call-up—is that men are deferred if there is a risk of serious loss of food production. If the agricultural advisory panels, which are not controlled by my Ministry, are satisfied that there is no serious loss of food production, these men become available for call-up.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that the farmers in Ayrshire know a good deal more about this business than the Minister himself, and will he agree in the circumstances to receive a deputation from them?
§ Mr. WatkinsonWe shall be delighted.