asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Essential Work Order appeal body at York, wrongly heard on 3rd October last an appeal by Mr. F. W. Batley, whose case was appropriate to the War Office Substitute Appeals Committee; that on the National Service officer ordering Mr. Batley's reinstatement following the appeal, the War Department, as employer, refused, but placed him under an industrial employee, with forfeiture of all overtime in breach of instructions and in circumstances where there was very little work to do; and whether he will specially investigate this case and ensure that in future his National Service officers follow the correct procedure in such cases.

I regret that Mr. Batley's case was not heard by the appropriate appeal body, and I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War is arranging for it to be re-heard by the War Department Substituted Appeal Committee. I am taking steps to try to avoid a recurrence of an error of this kind.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in cases where there is a difference of opinion between the family doctor and the medical referee employed by his Ministry as to the fitness of a person to undertake work in respect of which a direction has been issued by his depart- ment, arrangements can be made to refer such cases to an independent medical arbitrator instead of leaving local appeal boards, composed of laymen, to adjudicate between conflicting medical opinions as is the present practice.

The medical referee is an independent examiner, nominated for the purpose by a local medical war committee. Local appeal boards realise this, and normally accept his opinion; if, however, they so desire, they may ask for a further examination, if necessary, by a specialist.

Arising out of that reply may I ask what happens if the aggrieved applicant is dissatisfied with the decision, and wants to make a further appeal?

asked the Minister of Labour in what circumstances authority has been given to Government Departments, and through them to employers, to circumvent the operation of the Essential Work Order by permitting them to apply to headquarters in advance of applying to the National Service officer for permission to discharge individuals engaged in scheduled undertakings as, under this arrangement, his Ministry takes steps to ensure that the National Service officer gives permission to discharge, thereby fettering his discretion, and instructs employers not to attend the hearing of appeals against discharges, and neither the workers nor the appeal boards are informed of the grounds of the discharge.

On very rare occasions it has been found necessary in the interests of security that certain information should be handled by the headquarters of Departments and not by local offices and local appeal boards.

Is it right and proper that men should be discharged from employment without having their case heard by a tribunal, or even knowing the character of the charge against them; and is it necessary in the interests of security to do that?

It has been found necessary during the war on several occasions to do that.

In these circumstances, is there anything to prevent an employer getting rid of a man on the ground that security is involved, the man having no opportunity of knowing the charge against him?

It is only through Government Departments and where workers are on special security work.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a young woman was directed, on 27th November, by the employment exchange, Brynmawr, Breconshire, to employment at High Wycombe, and the undertaking to meet her at Paddington and High Wycombe was not observed; and will he take steps to see that such arrangements are carried out and authorise an enquiry into the system of direction to employment from the local Phœnix factory by the same exchange.

I am having inquiries made into this case and will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has considered the many resolutions on redundancy sent to him, including one from workers employed at Scottish Aviation, Limited, Greenock factory, sent to him by the honourable Member for West Fife; and if he has any statement to make.

I have considered the resolutions to which the hon. Member refers, including the one which he has sent me. The absorption into alternative employment of workers released on redundancy from war work is part of the problem of change-over from war to civilian production which was debated yesterday.

Is the Minister aware that the workers in a big West of Scotland factory, faced with redundancy, make the statement that, when the Russians have a victory, they fire 300 guns, but, when the British have a victory, they fire 300 workers; and will he take steps to deal with that situation?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make a statement as to the future use of factories operated in the North-west by Messrs. Rootes, saying how the Government propose to absorb the labour which will become redundant when the factories discontinue their present type of production.

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is examining alternative proposals for the use of this factory with a view to the employment on civilian production of workers no longer required for war or other essential work. Apart from any new production which may be placed at this factory, at present no general difficulty is being experienced in submitting for alternative employment workers released from this factory.

While I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, will he appreciate that this is a matter of great importance to those concerned?

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give authority for mothers to have reasonable leave of absence from their employment when their sons are on leave from military duties and allow the same facilities and conditions to mothers as to wives of serving men, as personal comfort is just as necessary in the home for single men as the married men.

This is a matter for arrangement between the worker and the management, but I am sure that employers will continue to do their best to allow reasonable leave of absence in such circumstances.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of these mothers have to be out at work all day, and that sometimes they even have to work overtime, leaving the boys without their help and comfort in the home; and will the statement he has made be made known?

I cannot prescribe this legally, but I am sure that my answer will have the desired effect.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the weekly average of absenteeism in industries other than coal-mining and particularly in the basic industries of cotton, iron, steel and engineering for the year 1943, distinguishing the absenteeism of men and women.

I regret that the information desired by my hon. Friend is not available.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it only fair to the miners that comparable figures should be given for other industries?

In the mining industry, of course, the figures are supplied—I sometimes think that they get an overdose of statistics—but for me to do it over a wide range of industries would involve great numbers of staff which I can ill afford for the purpose at the moment.

How is it that the Minister of Fuel and Power can say that absenteeism in the mining industry is no greater than in other industries, if the figures for other industries are not known?

My hon. and gallant Friend had better address that question to the Minister of Fuel and Power.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will take steps to ensure automatic reinstatement in the case of a worker who obtains a unanimous decision from a local appeal board against granting the employer permission to discharge when the discharge has already taken place with the permission of the National Service officer.

Local appeal boards make recommendations to the National Service officer; they do not give decisions. I propose to continue my present practice of accepting the boards' recommendations, in all save the most exceptional cases, including recommendations the acceptance of which involves a worker being reinstated.

Should we not get to know whether these boards have statutory authority? Is it not true that, in nearly all cases—as in all the cases that have come to my knowledge—where a man gets an unfavourable decision, he has no right of appeal, but, when he gets a favourable decision, it sometimes happens that the Minister refuses to accept that decision?

No, Sir. I announced to the House when these boards were set up that they were advisory to me, and that I have the final responsibility to this House in these matters. I can assure my hon. Friend that, if that was given up, many of these cases would reach a dead-lock. There have been many cases with which I have been able to deal effectively in the manner I have shown.

Some time ago, when I asked a Question about these boards, did not the right hon. Gentleman tell me that I must accept the boards' decision when it is unfavourable?

No. I have always made it clear that they make recommendations to me and that unless there are exceptional circumstances, I accept them.

On a point of Order. So that there may be some elucidation of the functions of these boards, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a coal-mines ballottee, unaccustomed to manual labour, after working underground for a few weeks has been incapacitated for several months medically certified through being so tall that he has to walk and work underground stooping; that he cannot claim workmen's compensation, nor declare on health insurance benefit, not being insured long enough, nor claim unemployment insurance, being incapable of following any employment, and has not therefore drawn any funds from any source and is living with his widowed mother; and will he see to it that such factors are borne in mind in determining the kind of mining work for ballottees.

If the hon. Member will let me have particulars of the case he has in mind, I will have inquiries made.

Will the Minister be good enough to bear in mind that this boy is very much afraid that something worse might befall him if his name were disclosed? Will the Minister consider the position of these very tall boys for work at the pithead? I have the case of another boy 6 ft. 5 in. tall.

I rather regret my hon. Friend's suggestion that, if he gives me the name of the citizen, that citizen will be, in any way, prejudiced thereby. I gather that that is the inference to be drawn from his remarks. How can I deal with the case if I do not know the person's name? I will look into any case which hon. Members bring to me, with a desire to do what is right.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that miners have never been selected on account of their height?

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the need for domestic paints, if he proposes to implement the recommendations of the Select Committee on National Expenditure in their Eighth Report on the activities of the miscellaneous chemical control, and cancel the lists of selected firms receiving preferential treatment with regard to their labour.

In view of the increased demand for paint for houses, I have decided, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, to cancel the lists and to apply the same rules with regard to the deferment and withdrawal of labour throughout the paint industry.

asked the Minister of Labour what information interviewers at employment exchanges are expected to obtain from women who have been discharged from war work and who are seeking re-employment.

In considering for war work any woman who is liable under the Registration for Employment Order, it is the duty of the interviewing officer to obtain such information as to her qualifications, experience and personal circumstances as is necessary to ensure her placing to the best advantage in the national interest. No special considerations arise in the case of women who are redundant as a result of changes in munitions programmes.

asked the Minister of Labour if women are still being directed for training at engineering training centres.

It has recently been decided to discontinue the recruitment of women for training in these Centres except for the draughtsmanship, instrument-making and motor mechanics classes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the case of a woman who has been touring the Middle East with E.N.S.A., and who has been brought from Ipswich to Burnley recently and directed into training?

If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of the case, I will look into it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in Nelson's Cement Works at Stockton, Kayes Cement Works at Stockton, Rugby Portland Cement Works, New Bilton, and Harbury Cement Works, Bishops Itchington, the average rate of pay of the men engaged is less than £4 a week; and whether, since these works enjoy the protection of the Essential Work Order, he will take steps to see them brought up to a higher level.

I am making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that men serving in the R.A.F. were urgently invited, in 1941, to volunteer for work in aircraft factories and that such volunteers were given papers on going to the factories specifically stating that the period of release would count as service towards their current engagement; and whether, in view of this pledge, he will now agree that any man temporarily released will have that period counted for service.

No, Sir. To regard work performed under ordinary civilian conditions by men on release to industry as service which can be counted for priority of release from the Forces would be most unfair to the other members of the Forces.

Will my right hon. Friend answer that part of the Question which asks if he is aware that in the R.A.F. men who volunteered for service in the factories were given a guarantee that the period of release would count towards their current service?

I would like to have notice of that question.

If I give my right hon. Friend a case, will be consider it?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can give an assurance that after conclusion of the war with Germany, mining trainees who desired at their call-up to join the fighting services, will have an opportunity of transferring.

No, Sir. So far as I can see at present, it will be necessary to keep these young men in coalmining, but they will not be so retained compulsorily beyond the date at which they would have been released from the Forces if they had been called up.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in cases where members of the forces return and find their former employment no longer in existence, he will take the necessary steps to see that alternative work of a similar kind, or as near to it as possible, is provided for them.

In cases of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers all possible steps will be taken to place the men and women concerned in suitable employment.

Cannot my right hon. Friend make it known, that these men will be dealt with in this way, so as to relieve their minds?

asked the Minister of Labour how many men he estimates will be restricted to making engagements through his Ministry or approved agencies under the Control of Engagement Order, proposed in Cmd. 6568, whose engagements are not so restricted under existing Orders; and whether he will exempt professional, clerical and domestic workers from restriction at least to the extent to which they now enjoy exemption.

It is not at present possible to give an estimate of the numbers involved since the question of exceptions to the proposed Order is under consideration.

Under these proposals will not almost all black-coated male workers between the ages of 18 and 50 be restricted, for the first time, to obtaining employment through the Ministry?

Very large numbers will. Until we get out of the man-power problem of this war, I am afraid it will be inevitable.

Is not that inconsistent with the declared policy of the Government to narrow the field of compulsion after the end of the war with Germany?

Oh, no, Sir. At present they are under direction right up to the age of 65.

asked the Minister of Labour why his head office prohibited "The Builder" from publishing an advertisement for a senior architectural assistant, submitted by the Solihull Urban District Council and approved by his local office, upon recommendation by the Ministry of Health; and why his department permitted the same advertisement to be published elsewhere.

I am advised that in general the Undertakings (Restriction on Engagement) Order applies to the surveyor's or engineer's department of a local authority, and that consequently advertisements for senior architectural assistants in such departments are as a rule illegal. The Solihull urban district council applied to the local office of my Department for permission to advertise the post referred to and permission was given, as I am advised, mistakenly, and I am informed by the council that advertisements did in fact appear in certain newspapers and journals. Upon "The Builder" applying to the headquarters of my Department for permission to insert the advertisement which had also been submitted to that journal, the view was taken that its insertion would constitute a breach of para. 2 (1) (a) of the Order to which I have referred. I regret very much the inconvenience which has been caused in this matter.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his apology, may I ask is it not the case that these Orders are so complicated, that even the officials of the Ministry of Labour cannot understand them?

Many things passed by this House get complicated and have to be settled in the courts.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will issue a statement showing how many European officers still remain in the various services under the Government of India and in the provincial services.

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the superior services employed under the Government of

asked the Secretary of State for India what steps he is taking to promote medical research in India; and if he will consider asking the Medical Research Council to investigate the effects

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is commonly believed in America and in the Dominions that the number of European officers still remaining in India runs into hundreds of thousands? Would he therefore, be good enough to give such publicity as he thinks desirable to these figures and, above all, to show how the number has decreased, in the last 10, 15 and 20 years?

I will certainly keep that point in mind.

The Director General of the Indian Medical Service has just completed a visit to this country and the United States of America in which he explored various means of promoting medical research in India and liaison between Indian research workers and those elsewhere. The Government of India are looking forward to receiving recommendations on these subjects from the Health Survey and Development Committee under Sir Joseph Bhore (of which the Director General is a member) and have already before them some valuable proposals made by the hon. Member for Cambridge University (Professor A. V. Hill). The Famine Inquiry Commission under Sir John Woodhead has within its scope the subject of the second part of the hon. Member's Question. Dr. Aykroyd, the Director of the Nutritional Research Laboratory at Coonoor, is a member of the Commission.

When a report is submitted, will it be placed in the Library?

Yes, Sir, I expect that it will be available.

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the membership and function of the Indian Health Survey and Development Committee whose chairman is Sir Joseph Bhore; and how soon this committee is expected to report.

The Committee consists of 24 members whose names, with the permission of the House, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT. They are drawn from all parts of India and include persons with practical experience of all aspects of the health problem. The Committee's duty is to make a broad survey of the present position in regard to health conditions and health organisation in British India and to make recommendations for future development. It is holding its final meetings this month and I hope will report shortly.

May I ask if on the committee there are any representatives of the democratic organisations or trade unions?

I think it is purely a medical and research body but, as I have said, I will circulate the list of members, from which it can be seen how wide a field they cover.

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman knows that the widespread malnutrition and bad housing in India are responsible for the high sickness rate, what is the purpose in setting up this committee? Why are we tolerating this delay?

I should have thought the situation in India fully satisfied the setting up of that body.

But the right hon. Gentleman knows there is widespread malnutrition and that the expectation of life in India is 27 years; surely this inquiry is a farce.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he is in a position to make an interim statement on Lord Munster's visit to India and the S.E.A.C.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he intends to make public the result of the investigation undertaken by the Secretary of State for the Home Department into the welfare of the Forces in the Indian Command and S.E.A.C.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in order that the House may know the requirements of the officers and other ranks serving in India and the S.E.A.C. with a view to action, he will publish as a White Paper Lord Munster's Report.

My Noble Friend returned to this country at the beginning of the week and has presented his report, which is under consideration. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister hopes to make a statement next week.

May I ask if we are likely to have a Debate on that report?

It is not for me to decide that matter.

asked the Secretary of State for India how many soldiers in the British Army stationed in India are suffering from dysentery; if he is aware that when suffering from dysentery they have to pay for their own food; and what action he intends taking about this.

The rate of admissions to hospital in India for dysentery and kindred illnesses was less than 7½ per cent. in 1943–44, as compared with the pre-war annual rate of 5½ per cent. I am unaware of any ground for the suggestion in the second part of the hon. Member's Question, but if he will give me the details on which it is based I will make inquiry from the Government of India.

In view of the alarming increase in the incidence of dysentery amongst our troops just disclosed by the Secretary of State, is this one of the matters on which Lord Munster has reported? Shall we have some further information on that next week from the Prime Minister?

I think my hon. Friend must await Lord Munster's report, or whatever we may publish of it on the subject. I would only say this, that if the House keeps in mind the difference between peace conditions in India and serving on the Burma frontier, it will not view the increase as so very alarming.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us to what the figure is related? Is it 7½ per cent. of those admitted to hospital, or 7½ per cent. of the troops serving? If it is the latter, is it not a most alarming figure?

The figures are 7½ per cent. admissions for the troops serving.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a gratuity will be paid to full-time members of the Civil Defence Services.

This matter is receiving consideration and I hope to be able to make a statement at an early date.

Will the Home Secretary remember, when considering this matter, that the Civil Defence Services have been the Cinderella Services?

Well, Sir, I have done my very best to see that that is not so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has now been made in disbanding the organisation and offices of Regional Commissioners.

Not counting 95 staff now under notice of termination of appointment, the staff of Regional Commissioners' offices, including operational staff, is 1,964. This is a reduction of 40 per cent. since July, 1942, when the staff of Regional offices was at its righest and a reduction of 26 per cent. since September, 1944. Further substantial reductions of staff will not be possible whilst the present dangers from air attacks continue.

What are the reductions in the staff of London region?

I could not say without notice. There have been some reductions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many C.D. workers have been accepted for overseas service with U.N.R.R.A.; whether recruiting from the C.D. service is being proceeded with; and has it been made clear to the staffs of employment exchanges that certain categories of C.D. workers are needed for service with U.N.R.R.A.

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that U.N.R.R.A. does not recruit for Civil Defence overseas and no request has been made by the Administration for a general appeal for recruits from Civil Defence. Categories of workers required have, however, been notified to the Ministry of Labour and National Service, who are thus able to give guidance to members of the Civil Defence Services who may be interested. In addition, at the suggestion of U.N.R.R.A. particulars of certain administrative and welfare appointments in the organisation overseas have been brought to the notice of some of the larger local authorities who, it was thought, might be able to recommend suitable candidates, either from among those in their employment in connexion with Civil Defence, or from members of the Civil Defence Services. Of the candidates thus secured, five have been selected by U.N.R.R.A. for appointment and 54 will shortly be interviewed. The names of a small number of selected volunteers for certain other duties are also being obtained from the Civil Defence Reserve, and, through the Regional Office, from local authorities in London.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that members of the Civil Defence force who have volunteered for this service have been told by officers at the employment exchanges that they have no knowledge of U.N.R.R.A.?

I am rather surprised at that because it is the Ministry of Labour and National Service who recruit them. Applications for employment must be through that Ministry.

Do the qualifications necessary include a university degree?

No. I think those most suitable for the work are selected.

May I have an answer to my question? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that members of the Civil Defence force have applied for these jobs and have been told by the clerks at the employment exchange that they know nothing about it?

If the hon. Member will communicate with the Ministry of Labour and National Service, who are responsible for the recruitment of these persons, he may get satisfaction.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the position of those citizens who have voluntarily or otherwise acquired Morrison table shelters from the Government; is it the intention of the Government to repurchase or advise citizens as to the method of disposal of such shelters; and what would be the number and cost to the taxpayers if all were repurchased by the Government.

Indoor table shelters have been issued free on request to householders whose incomes are below a prescribed limit, and these shelters which comprise over 90 per cent. of the total issues remain the property of the Crown. The question of their repurchase, therefore, does not arise. It is intended eventually to collect them for disposal by the Government, but it will probably be a considerable time after the end of hostilities before labour and transport can be spared for the purpose. Until the shelters have been collected, householders are under a statutory obligation to take reasonable care for their preservation. About 90,000 shelters have been sold to householders. The question of repurchasing such of these shelters as may be offered by householders is receiving consideration, but should it be decided to adopt such a course, the price of repurchase would doubtless be fixed so as to ensure that having regard to the proceeds of final disposal and the cost of handling, no charge fell on public funds.

Is it to be understood that the substance of the right hon. Gentleman's reply is that in the case of not being able to sell these things, and get something back for them, they can be kept as air-raid-looms?

asked the Minister of Agriculture why members of the W.L.A. are not accorded the same facilities as members of the Women's Auxiliary Services of His Majesty's Forces when they require hospital treatment.

The reason why there is not uniformity of treatment between members of the Women's Land Army and members of the various Auxiliary Services was explained by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 19th January, 1944, in reply to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore), of which I am sending my hon. and learned Friend a copy. Members of the Women's Land Army rank equally with other transferred civilian war workers for treatment under the Government's Emergency Medical Service scheme in all hospitals covered by that scheme.

Is the Minister aware that these women, recruited, organised and partly uniformed by the State, have to pay to the fullest extent of their means for hospital treatment when they are sick? Is that the proper way to treat them?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he proposes to take to encourage the poultry industry after the war.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made in this House on Tuesday, which includes a special reference to the poultry industry.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that if the poultry industry is given a fair chance it will be a very important factor in food production in this country?

Is that statement intended to be related to the egg collecting scheme, so that poultry will reach the proper channels and, eventually, the retailers?

I do not think that that arises on this Question.

It is in the scheme.

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether he will consider establishing within 10 miles of London 10,000 goats, in view of the fact that they could supplement the milk supply and relieve the milk shortage;

I have no information as to the number of goats kept within 10 miles radius of London. As to the remaining parts of the Question, I am afraid my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestions are impracticable.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the goat has been the poor man's cow for generations, that its milk is non-tubercular and that it gives two gallons per day? Why should we not march upon milk, to victory through vitamins?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will consider withdrawing Italian labour from Suffolk and Norfolk farms, in view of the general and growing complaints as to slackness and waste of time, and substituting other more efficient labour instead.

Justifiable complaints about the work of Italian prisoners relate only to a small proportion of them. The employment of German prisoners is being extended where conditions permit, but no other source of additional labour is available, and in present circumstances a general substitution of Germans for Italians is both impracticable and undesirable.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is growing indignation in Suffolk and Norfolk about the present state of affairs, and that in one case where 34 of these men worked on a quarter of an acre the value of that work was only 9s. for a whole morning?

I am quite sure there would be much greater indignation and protest if I were to withdraw Italian prisoners.

Does the Minister accept the suggestion that Germans, who are our enemies, are better workmen than Italians, who are our Allies?

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the growing resentment against these prisoners who have been doing nothing whatever to help with the harvest?

asked the Minister of Agriculture to what extent he has been discussing the proposals for legislation with the Ministry of War Transport and the Association of Highway Authorities; what is the estimated acreage of agricultural land involved; and if consideration is being given to the disorganisation that would follow from the cutting across of agricultural holdings.

Proposals for the construction of new roads are discussed between the Ministry of War Transport and my Department. Severance of farms is one of the important matters taken into account. My Noble Friend, the Minister of War Transport, would certainly con- sult me about new legislative proposals likely to affect agricultural land. No estimate can be given at the present stage as to the acreage of agricultural land that may be involved.

Has my right hon. Friend been consulted about the proposed motor-ways?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the large aggregate area of agricultural land damaged or impeded by War Department and Air Ministry works, many of them small and no longer in use, he will consider what steps can be taken to secure restoration and terminate the waste involved.

Arrangements have been made between my Department and the War Office for the removal, where practicable, of obsolete or unwanted defence works and for the restoration of the land to agricultural use where it is considered to be desirable in the interests of food production. These arrangements, which have also been adopted in principle by the Air Ministry, are, of course, subject to the necessary labour being available.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are a great many searchlight sites no longer in use, and would he ask agricultural committees to advise him as to whether obstructions could be removed?

I have already said that the matter is determined by the availability of labour.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the cost to the State of the operations of the war agricultural executive committees; and whether he will give detailed figures by counties.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Vote of Credit Appropriation Account, 1939 (H.C.72 of 1941) to the Civil Appropriation Accounts (Unclassified Votes) for 1940 and 1941 and those for Class X, War Services, for 1942. I cannot undertake to give figures for individual counties, as in the absence of full information as to the conditions obtaining in the different counties, comparisons between one county and another would be very misleading.