§ Mr. Priceasked the Minister of Labour what alterations of the regulations under 943W which agricultural workers are called up for National Service are in contemplation?
§ Mr. BevinWith a view to ensuring the best possible use of workers in agriculture, arrangements have been made for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, in co-operation with my Department, to carry out a review of farmers and agricultural workers, who, at their prescribed registration date, were of or over 25, 30 or 35, according to the age of reservation shown in the schedule for their occupation. The review will be conducted by agricultural executive committees. Adjustments will, where necessary, be made by increasing the tasks allotted to particular holdings, by arranging for the loan of part-time labour from one holding to another, by the employment of women, or, in exceptional cases, by the transfer of labour. In appropriate cases I shall direct workers into the employment of agricultural executive committees. Men who cannot be usefully employed in agriculture will be called up for service in the Forces. To facilitate these arrangements, I decided, with the concurrence of the Government Departments concerned, to remove the ages of reservation shown for agricultural occupations
944W
The following allowances are now paid during sickness to persons compulsorily transferred to work away from home. — If living in a hostel. If not living in a hostel. (a) Persons who support dependants elsewhere and are entitled to lodging allowance of 24s. 6d. per week. 1st week—24s. 6d. plus sickness benefit or workmen's compensation if any. 1st week—31s. 6d. plus sickness benefit or workmen's compensation if any. Thereafter 31s. 6d. per week plus sickness benefit or workmen's compensation if any. Thereafter 38s. 6d. per week plus sickness benefit or workmen's compensation if any. (b) Other persons 1st week—24s. 6d. inclusive of sickness benefit or workmen's compensation. 1st week—31s. 6d. inclusive of sickness benefit or workmen's compensation. Thereafter 31s. 6d. per week inclusive of sickness benefit or workmen's compensation. Thereafter 38s. 6d. per week inclusive of sickness benefit or workmen's compensation. Notes.—1. Should the circumstances of the case render treatment in hospital desirable, arrangements have been made under which the worker may be admitted to one of the hospitals established under the Emergency Hospital Scheme. 2. Where it is necessary for a worker who has fallen sick to return home assistance is available in cases of hardship by the issue of a free railway warrant and if the worker is unable to travel alone a free return warrant may be issued to enable a relative or some other person to accompany him or her home. 3. Persons who remain in hostels during sickness are provided with additional meals and extra comforts without additional charge. in the Schedule of Reserved Occupations, and to substitute the symbol "SS," indicating that these occupations are subject to a special scheme. The present arrangements for the deferment of key men in agricultural occupations who were under 25 at their prescribed registration date are being applied to the 1923 and the first half of the 1924 age class, and will be applied to younger men as they reach registration age. Men in the 1923 and the first half of the 1924 age class who are not key men will become available for calling up after 1st December, 1942.