asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) whether Mr. M'Dougall, Livestock Commissioner for Scotland, is of military age; if so. whether there are no farmers or others in Scotland not of military age who are qualified to perform the duties he now discharges; (2) for what reason Mr. P. M'Dougall was exempted from military service; whether the reason was that his services were urgently required on his farm; and, if so, why was he given a Government appointment, the discharge of the duties of which is either incompatible with the performance of his own duties on his farm, or, in the contrary event, is overpaid at £1,000 a year?

Mr. M'Dougall, who has been appointed by the Food Controller as Chief Live-stock Commissioner for Scotland at the salary stated, is of military age. He had, before his appointment, been exempted from military service as a farmer, but he is now unable to give more than general supervision for a few hours each week to the work of his farm. His exemption will be continued on the ground of his special capacity for the performance of his duties in connection with the supply and distribution of live stock and feeding-stuffs, which are of even greater national importance than his work in a private capacity.

Is it seriously suggested that this gentleman's qualifications are so exceptional that no farmer of non-military age can be found in Scotland to carry out these duties, and is it seriously proposed to continue this exemption, which is regarded as a public scandal?

It is agreed, I believe, by all who have considered this question that an absolutely arbitrary age limit cannot safely apply to all cases, and I understand that it is the intention of the Food Controller to continue the exemption in this case.

Is the Food Controller aware of the serious affront to the men of military age which is conveyed by maintaining this exemption, and is it seriously contended that in a country of farmers nobody else in the country of non-military age can be found to perform these functions?

In the face of the serious food situation it is necessary for us to procure and retain the most competent men for these duties.

Does the hon. Gentleman suggest that there is no farmer in Scotland above military age who is competent to do this work?

Certainly not. Somebody or some tribunal has to determine the case in question, and whatever the decision somebody would find fault with it.

Who is responsible for this exemption? Is it any trbiunal and, if so, which tribunal? Is it any Minister, and, if so, is it the Food Minister?

So far as representations were necessary on behalf of the Food Ministry, they would be made by the Food Controller.

Who is responsible for this exemption?

Is it not a fact that of the six Deputy Commissioners the larger number are also of military age?

I should require notice of that question.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether this exemption is due to the action of the tribunal or the Ministry?

I think it will be gathered from my answer that it is both.

Is it not true that M'Dougall is also running his farm?

And also getting £1,000 a year from the Government?

My reply is that he is not able to give more than a few hours a week to his farm work.