§ Major Sir H. HAVELOCK-ALLANasked the Under-Secretary of State for 414W War what shortage, if any, there is of agricultural labour in the neighbourhood of Hitchin, Hertfordshire; whether, of the forty-four German prisoners of war at present billeted at Offley Holes House, Hitchin, fifteen only are being employed on agricultural work daily, and that at a considerable distance from the house; and will he consider the advisability of removing these prisoners of war from their present billets in a temporarily unoccupied private house to more suitable premises nearer their work and nearer Hitchin?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThere is need for more agricultural labour in the neighbourhood of Hitchin, as in other parts of the country. As regards German prisoners available for agricultural work, it often happens that until local farmers have gained experience of their work there is delay before the whole number available are employed. This was the case in the present instance, but I am informed that nearly all the prisoners are now employed, and that Offley Holes House is the only house suitable and available for their habitation in the neighbourhood.