HC Deb 08 October 1940 vol 365 cc281-2W
Mr. T. Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether farmers will be required to provide continuous employment during the coming winter for agricultural workers who are prevented from obtaining other employment by the Restriction of Engagements Order?

Mr. Hudson

The Government expects farmers to continue to employ all the labour required to secure the greatest possible production of food on each farm. County War Agricultural Executive Committees have power to serve compulsory directions on farmers as to the cultivation, management and use of agricultural land. I reminded them recently that I expected them to use those powers wherever necessary. I have no doubt that practically the whole of the existing agricultural labour force can be found useful employment in the land throughout the winter, either at their normal duties or[...] important maintenance and improvement works. But if any men fall out of employment and cannot be quickly reabsorbed the arrangements made with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service provide that the employment Exchanges will endeavour to find alternative employment for them in other industries.