§ 59. Mr. Mott-Radclyffeasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the difficulties caused to farmers by bad weather in the last months of 1954 and in February, 1955, he will arrange for the suspension of call-up of agricultural workers in order to help farmers catch up the arrears of work.
§ Mr. WatkinsonYes, Sir. In consultation with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, I have agreed to suspend until 14th May the call-up of agricultural workers after the Army intake next Thursday and the Royal Air Force intake next week.
§ Mr. Mott-RadclyffeIs my hon. Friend aware that this decision will be very welcome in all parts, and will be of great assistance to the agricultural community generally?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that although this limited concession will be of value, the only way of stopping the constant drift from the land which has been going on ever since October, 1951, is to suspend the call-up of agricultural workers altogether?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThis was not to stop the drift from the land. It was to try to help hard-pressed farmers to get their work up to date in difficult weather conditions.