Farm Workers (Call-up)

HC Deb 31 January 1952 vol 495 cc53-4W

78. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Labour how many farm workers became liable for National Service in November and December, 1951; and in how many cases call-up has been deferred.

Sir W. Monckton

Approximately 18,000 farm workers became available for call-up in November and December, 1951. By 31st December 9,744 applications for deferment had been received, of which 4,823 were granted. 2,346 cases were still under consideration at that date.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Labour how many agricultural workers in Scotland have now been called up for military service.

Sir W. Monckton

Before 1st November, 1951, agricultural workers were, in general, not called up for National Service so long as they remain in the industry. As from 1st November, 1951, agricultural workers born in 1933, other than those in certain categories, became available for call-up, and the number from the first three-quarters of the 1933 age class who were called up in Scotland in November and December, 1951, was 468.