HC Deb 18 July 1946 vol 425 c257W
88. Mr. R. A. Butler

asked the Minister of Food whether he proposes to make an allowance of 35 ounces of bread for agricultural workers during special periods of hard work on the farm, as well as during the harvest period; how he proposes to define such periods; and what allowance he proposes to make to other workers in agricultural districts in the building, transport and similar trades.

Dr. Summerskill

The agricultural workers themselves are regarded as manual workers receiving an allowance of 15 ounces of bread a day and in general they will qualify for a further 6 ounces a day because they need to take packed meals to work. The farmer will be able to obtain extra supplies at the daily rate of 14 ounces as part of the general arrangements for the supply of "harvest" allowances in respect of all workers during harvesting, haymaking, sheep-shearing, threshing, lambing, and hoeing and singling of root crops. In consultation with the Trades Union Congress I am always prepared to consider the special needs of other workers.