asked the Minister of Agriculture how many Italian prisoners of war are employed in the agriculture industry in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively.

The numbers of Italian prisoners of war employed in agriculture on 31st October were 49,000 in England, 9,000 in Scotland, and 5,500 in Wales.

Has the right hon.Gentleman received representations from a number of war agricultural committees that, before these prisoners are withdrawn from work, they shall be given reasonable notice by his Department? Is he prepared to act on those representations?

I can assure the Noble Lord that reasonable notice will be given before Italians are withdrawn.

Will the right hon. Gentleman try to withdraw English agricultural workers from the. Armed Forces and get rid of these Italians?