HC Deb 06 March 1952 vol 497 cc85-6W
Major Beamish

asked the Minister of Labour how many agricultural workers have been called up for National Service during the last convenient period of 12 months; how many applications for deferment have been granted; and how many refused.

Sir W. Monckton

Prior to 1st November, 1951, no regular full-time worker in one of the main agricultural occupations was called up so long as he remained satisfactorily so employed. Between 1st November, 1951, and 31st January, 1952, 5,601 agricultural workers in the 1933 age class were called up. During the same period, 5,810 applications for deferment were granted, and 1,454 refused; in addition 1,553 applications were rejected as being ineligible for consideration under the deferment arrangements.