§ Mr. HURDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he has received representations, on behalf of the Somerset Farmers' Union, indicating the state of threshing operations in many districts of Somerset owing to lack of suitable labour, principally drivers; and what steps he is able to take at once in the matter?
Sir ARTHUR BOSCAWENThe position as to the release from the forces of threshing engine drivers is dealt with in my answer to the question addressed to me to-day by the hon. Member for Twickenham. No special representations have been received as to the position in Somerset.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware of the scarcity of engine drivers for agricultural purposes throughout the country, and that the position in regard to threshing and steam ploughing, etc., is becoming very serious; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe scarcity of engine drivers to take charge of threshing and steam plough engines has received the attention of the Board for some considerable time and the release of a number of such men from the forces had been arranged before the date of the Armistice. Practically all such drivers who are known to be with the forces have been applied for to be demobilised as "pivotal" men. The War Office are not yet able to640W furnish the Board with definite information as to the number of these men who have actually been released.