asked the Minister of Labour whether he is pre- pared to consider placing former agricultural workers now in the Forces in Class B for release.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Hallam (Mr. Jennings) on 9th October, a copy of which I am sending him.

Will the Minister give the House some assurance that the employment of prisoner-of-war labour for agriculture will be considered before such time as these prisoners of war finally disappear? Is he aware that the present situation is extremely unsatisfactory for the man who wants to come back to agriculture, and who does not know how soon his labour is going to be really useful in view of the prisoner-of-war situation?

That is rather wide of the original Question, but we are in almost daily contact with the Minister of Agriculture on this question of labour supply.

Is the Minister aware that agricultural executive committees inform farmers now that they may apply, and send them special forms to apply, for the release of agricultural workers, which appears to conflict with the statement which the right hon. Gentleman has made?

Conflict with this statement or the other one?

With both, if you like.