§ Colonel Carverasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the fact that unless the farmers are allowed to have a better supply of labour, they will of necessity restrict milk producing, which is a seven days' job all the year round, and resort to husbandry, which needs only a six-day week; and what steps he is taking to assist the farmer in this respect?
Mr. HudsonI have been asked to reply. I do not believe that the labour shortage has so far been an important factor in restricting milk production. The arrangements preventing the calling-up for military service of key workers apply822W to all the main branches of agriculture including dairying. Women are, however, eminently suitable for employment on milk production and the Women's Land Army has already placed some thousands of women on dairy farms. Any dairy farmer who expects to be in difficulties about labour is advised to get in touch in advance with the County Office of the Women's Land Army.