§ 105. Colonel Ropnerasked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are to be made during the forthcoming summer for releasing service personnel temporarily for work on the land.
§ Mr. LawsonI described the existing arrangements for agricultural leave from the Army covering the period up to 30th June, 1946, in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Kincardine and Western on 26th February. Similar arrangements apply in the R.A.F. It is intended to continue the scheme in the Army and R.A.F. on the same general lines after 30th June. So far as the Army is concerned, individuals will not be allowed more than 28 days' agricultural leave, but the position will be reviewed again before December, 1946. I understand that the Admiralty grant up to two months' leave in the first instance to applications sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. This may be extended in case of inclement weather up to a further 14 days.