HC Deb 21 March 1917 vol 91 cc1940-1W
Mr. BILLING

asked the right hon. Member for Barnard Castle, as representing the Ministry of National Service, whether he has received an application from Niville Bushell, Esq., of 7, Burleigh Way, Enfield, a scientific farmer of eight years' experience, recently invalided out of the Army, and who held a commission since the early days of the War; and, if so, what was the substance of such application and what was the reply from the Director of National Service?

Mr. BECK

The answer is in the affirmative. Mr. Bushell stated that before the War the was a pig breeder and manager of poultry farms, and instructor. Being row unable to buy another farm he wished for an appointment under Government, and had already offered his services to the Board of Agriculture and to the Food Controller. The National Service Department had no post to offer him at the time, but undertook to keep his name in mind as the work of the agricultural section developed.

Mr. CECIL HARMSWORTH

asked the right, hon. Member for Barnard Castle, as representing the Ministry of National Service, whether the Director-General will consider the importance of formulating his policy in regard to the enrolment of men for National Service so that definite appeals for labour are made in respect only of ascertained demands; whether this policy has been adopted in the case of appeals for women volunteers; and whether he will now discourage the enrolment of men and women who are already engaged in occupations from which in the national interest they will not be and ought not to be removed?

Mr. BECK

The Director-General intends to supplement his appeal by special appeals for special demands. In the case of women, only special appeals will be made, as there is no shortage of women labour. There is a shortage of male labour, and the Director-General will continue his general appeal, which includes those already engaged in work of national importance, not for the purpose of changing their occupations, but to enable them to be moved from one locality to another in the same occupation, if the national interest should require it.