§ Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the French system of utilising the services of German prisoners of war on the land, by which a representative Committee in every Department distributes gangs of prisoners between the various parishes in such a way that the local bodies representing the parishes can distribute the labour fairly among the farmers, the local bodies receiving the current rate of wages from the farmer for the labour, while undertaking the housing and feeding arrangements and the supply of guards; and will he take steps to pro-ride for the organisation by the Board of Agriculture of a similar scheme?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has been directed to the French system described in the question. A scheme on similar lines, to meet the conditions in this country, certainly seems to have advantages, and will be considered.
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§ Mr. PETOasked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the objections to the employment of prisoners of war on the land; and whether he will take immediate steps to overcome whatever objections there may be and, in conjunction with the Board of Agriculture, take steps to see that, so far as our available supply of prisoners of war admits, all fallow and suitable waste land is prepared during this winter for spring sowing- and planting of potatoes as a first crop?
§ Mr. FORSTERAs stated by my hon. Friend the Treasurer of the Household, in reply to the Noble Lord the Member for Newton, on the 21st November, a scheme is now arranged whereby small parties may be employed on the land. It is hoped to publish the details of this scheme shortly.