HC Deb 11 November 1943 vol 393 c1320W
Major Kimball

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can take any action to facilitate a supply of agricultural labour for threshing and other essential farm work on a farm situated within the perimeter of an R.A.F. station, of which particulars have been supplied, where the R.A.F. cannot supply any labour and the Italian prisoners of war, offered by the W.A.E.C., are not permitted by the R.A.F. to work within a quarter of a mile of the perimeter?

Mr. Hudson

While there are difficulties about obtaining labour on this farm on account of its situation, the county war agricultural executive committee have supplied seasonal help on several occasions, and R.A.F. personnel have also been employed. Seven men supplied by the committee are at present working on the farm. In addition, the farmer has applied for two members of the Women's Land Army for regular employment, and it is hoped that these will be available shortly. If the farmer will keep in touch with the committee they will do their best to supply labour when he needs it.