§ Major EARL WINTERTONasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the depletion of the labour supply of farms by the recent call up of farm labourers, all further orders for the ploughing up of grass lands on the difficult clay lands, such as those of the Weald of Sussex, can be suspended, so that farmers may concentrate their resources on cleaning those lands already compulsorily ploughed up?
§ Mr. PROTHEROApart from the unfavourable effect on food production which would result from the issue of a general instruction, it would be unfortunate if those farmers who have not complied with the orders of agricultural executive committees were placed in a more favourable position than those who have done so. Where farmers have not complied with ploughing orders war executive committees will be instructed not to proceed unless they are satisfied that sufficient skilled labour can be provided to cultivate as well as to plough.