§ Mr. Rentonasked the Minister of Labour whether he will now take steps to relax the conditions under which deferments and Class B releases are granted in favour of agricultural workers.
§ Mr. IsaacsI am not prepared to alter the existing arrangements under which the calling-up of agricultural workers is deferred in any case in which the Agricultural Departments are satisfied that a man's service is essential for the food production programme. As regards Class B releases, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave to the358W hon. and gallant Member for Salisbury (Major J. Morrison), the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton), and the hon. and gallant Member for Barnstaple (Brigadier Peto) on 4th December, a copy of which I am sending him.