§ Sir W. Smilesasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will confer with the Secretary of State for War as to the possibility of soldiers who do a heavy day's work in the harvest-field receiving some portion of the money paid by the farmers to the Government for their services?
Mr. HudsonI have already discussed this question with the Secretary of State for War. I understand that his view is that soldiers employed on agricultural work as a military duty should not receive more pay than when employed on other military duties. Farmers, however, are allowed to provide liquid refreshment up to a maximum of 1s. 0d. a head a day the cost of which is deducted from the payment to the War Office for the military labour.
§ Sir W. Smilesasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consult with the Minister of Food with a view to securing that farmers who employ soldiers to help with the harvest may be allowed some extra ration of sugar and tea?
Mr. HudsonIn consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food, arrangements have been made whereby farmers employing soldiers on harvest work can obtain allowances of tea and sugar for the purpose of offering them refreshments in the field.