HC Deb 09 June 1953 vol 516 cc15-6
26. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will suspend the call-up of Mr. J. M. Thomas, No. W.M.S. 900/1953, of Cwmtydu Farm, in view of the need to retain him as a worker in an isolated farm; and why he has advised that workers from Shropshire should undertake the tractor work on this undermanned farm.

Sir W. Monckton

After careful consideration of all the circumstances of this difficult case, I agree with the hon. Member that the farmer could not reasonably be expected to revert to the arrangement under which the tractor work on this farm was carried out by workers sent from his other farm in Shropshire. In the light of this and other considerations, it has been decided to grant deferment.

Mr. Watkins

I am very much obliged to the right hon. and learned Gentleman.

27. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the decision of the National Service Deferment Board to reject the application made on behalf of Mr. I. G. James, Breconshire, No. W.M.S. 830/ 1952, for the renewal of deferment on the grounds of the farm being an isolated hill farm with a hill farming scheme under the Acts; whether he is aware that there is no other labour employed on the farm; what steps he is taking to get a skilled substitute worker to take the place of Mr. James and find accommodation for such a worker; and whether he will suspend the call-up until such time as arrangements can be made for the sale of the farm and stock.

Sir W. Monckton

Yes, Sir. This application for extension of deferment has been considered by the Agricultural Advisory Panel three times since last November, and the panel, which had all the relevant facts before it, has unanimously recommended that further deferment would not be justified. This recommendation was accepted by the National Service Deferment Board, and I can see no grounds for disagreeing with it. I understand that no request has been received by my Department from the employer for assistance in finding a substitute worker, but I would point out that the view taken by the Advisory Panel is that the work of the farm could be carried on with the help of other members of the family.

In regard to the last part of the Question, it is still open to Mr. James to exercise his right to apply for postponement on the grounds of exceptional hardship and, until his application had been determined by the statutory authorities, he would not, of course, be called up.

Mr. Watkins

Will the Minister kindly inquire into this case and come to the same conclusion as he did in the previous one, because this is an isolated farm in an isolated part of Wales, and there is no one left to carry on the work of the farm? Will he also inquire why the Advisory Panel takes into consideration matters beyond the functions of an Advisory Panel?

Sir W. Monckton

As for the last part of the supplementary question, I can only say that the inquiries I have made show that this Advisory Panel recommends a great many more deferments than it does to the contrary. I am sorry that the hon. Member is not satisfied with the partial success which he has already achieved.

Mr. Watkins

To indicate my dissatisfaction, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment as soon as I possibly can.