§ 33. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Food why the extra food allowances issued to farm workers during periods when they are working overtime in the evenings have been limited to 24 days' allowances in the four-months period from 1st August to 30th November when many farm workers will be engaged continuously for eight weeks or longer on corn harvest and potato lifting; and whether the National Farmers' Union and the National Union of Agricultural Workers were consulted.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe arrangements for individual in place of collective allowances were framed in consultation and agreement with the organisations mentioned by my hon. Friend. The new scheme will on the average give farm workers as much extra food as before.
Mr. HardWhile we welcome the arrangements which my right hon. and gallant Friend has made for the farm workers to draw their allowances direct, may I ask him if he will make sure that he has the division of the year correctly, and when the amounts will really be needed, and whether he will have further consultations with representatives of the industry?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI am prepared to look into the matter, but I would point out that these periods were arranged at the suggestion of the National Farmers' Union and of the workers union.
§ Mr. GodberIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is very widespread concern about this matter, and that many, particularly those in the arable areas, will actually have their rations cut down? I am sure that that was not intended. Will my right hon. and gallant Friend look at it again?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI am willing to look into it at any time, but I must repeat that the particular periods mentioned were arranged at the suggestion of the organisations concerned.