HC Deb 12 February 1946 vol 419 c70W
Lieut.-Colonel Corbett

asked the Minister of Labour how many Class B releases have been effected since the Government's declaration that 10,000 men would be returned to the land.

Mr. Isaacs

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on 5th February to the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton) a copy of which I am sending him.

Major Mott-Radclyffe

asked the, Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to secure the release from the Forces, under Class B, of men who have experience in trades ancillary to agriculture such as the repair of agricultural machinery, saddlery and thatching.

Mr. Isaacs

Provision has already been made for the release in Class B of up to 900 rural craftsmen on nomination by the Ministry of Agriculture and Department of Agriculture for Scotland

Captain Gunter

asked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the necessity of increasing food production in this country, he will take immediate steps to substantially increase the number of Class B releases for persons previously engaged in agriculture.

Mr. Isaacs

The number has recently been increased from 10,000 to 18,000, in addition to which the call-up of 8,000 agricultural workers have been suspended until after the harvest.

Mr. Austin

asked the Minister of Labour if he will compute, to the nearest convenient dale, the number of agricultural workers in the Army who have refused Class B release owing to the low basic rate of pay that obtains in the industry.

Mr. Isaacs

Members of the Forces are not asked to state their reasons for refusing release in Class B, and I cannot therefore give any figures.