HC Deb 30 September 1941 vol 374 cc491-2W
Mr. Purbrick

asked the Secretary of State for War how many agricultural workers have been released temporarily from the Army for that work during the months of May, June, July and August and up to date in September, respectively, and how many more are available temporarily.

Captain Margesson

The following table shows the number of soldiers temporarily released from the Army for agricultural work or granted special agricultural leave during the periods in question:

1941. Temporary release. Agricultural leave.
May 91 661
June 63 599
July 61 1,697
August 116 3,421
September (latest figures available). 108 Not yet known.
Total 439 6,378

In addition, 145 indefinite releases were sanctioned during this period. As regards local assistance given to farmers by the loan of troops on a day-to-day basis, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesend (Sir I. Albery). With regard to the last part of the Question, applications for temporary releases must be supported by the Ministry of Agriculture to whom they are forwarded by the county war agricultural executive committees. It is not possible for me to anticipate future releases.