Sir W. Smithcrsasked the Minister of Agriculture who decided the details of the 946W question contained in the Labour Review of the Essex War Agricultural Committee, dated 17th April, 1944; to how many persons was the review sent; and under what Regulation or Statute are these particulars demanded.
Mr. HudsonThe details in the form to which my hon. Friend refers were settled by the Labour Sub-Committee of the Essex War Agricultural Executive Committee. The form has been issued over a period of about 18 months to the occupiers of about half the agricultural holdings in Essex. As regards the last part of the Question, I have asked all War Agricultural Executive Committees to conduct a periodical review of the labour on farms in their counties, so as to ensure that the labour available in agriculture is used to the best advantage. The form referred to is not a return required under Statute or Regulation, but is a request for information to assist the Executive Committee in carrying out this review.