§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Agriculture the present position in regard to the W.L.A.; how many members are there in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively; the nett cost to the taxpayer; and how much of this is represented in overhead expenses.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe present strength of the Women's Land Army in England, Scotland and Wales is 25,800, 1,800 and 1,900 respectively. The net cost of the Women's Land Army in the last financial year was £898,000. Of this, £284,000 is in respect of overhead expenses. These figures do not include the cost of postage, accommodation, etc., borne on the Votes of other Departments.
§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now consider disbanding the W.L.A. and taking immediate steps, under local arrangements made by the county A.E.Cs., to encourage suitable women to come forward for training, especially in dairy work, shepherding and horticulture and to arrange for their subsequent employment within the county.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsAs I explained in my reply on 14th October to my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesend (Mr. Allighan) my desire is that the Women's Land Army 285W shall continue in being for a further period and I cannot, therefore, contemplate the measures recommended by the hon. Member. I hope that experience in the Land Army will lead numbers of women to take up permanent agricultural employment.