asked the Minister of Labour why soldiers given short periods of leave for agricultural purposes are penalised by forfeiting one group number for every two months of such leave; and whether he will consider remitting this penalty in the case of agricultural leave in view of the national need for this work.

Agricultural leave is normally given for a period of up to 28 days, but in certain circumstances an extension may be given up to a further 28 days. Such periods of agricultural leave are not regarded as breaks in military service and do not, therefore, affect a soldier's age and service group.