Oral Answers to Questions — National Service – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 11 March 1947.
Mr Stanley Tiffany
, Peterborough
12:00,
11 March 1947
asked the Minister of Labour if agricultural workers will be granted the same exemptions in call-up to His Majesty's Forces as are granted to coalminers.
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
No, Sir.
Mr Stanley Tiffany
, Peterborough
In view of the fact that agriculture ranks with power, fuel and transport as a basic requirement, why should not the same exemptions he applied to agricultural workers as are applied to colliery workers?
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
At the present moment agricultural workers in certain classes are automatically deferred. We are proceeding under the arrangements for deferment, but it is not intended to grant actual exemption.
Mr Wilfrid Roberts
, Cumberland Northern
Is it the right hon. Gentleman's intention to defer all agricultural workers this summer, at any rate?
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
I would not say that. There are a number of classifications, and I will he glad to send the information to my hon. Friend.
Mr Alfred Bossom
, Maidstone
Does not the Minister think that food is equally as important as coal?
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
The hon. Gentleman is asking me to express an opinion instead of dealing with facts.
Mr Stanley Awbery
, Bristol Central
Will the building trade operatives also be included in the system of deferment?
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
I am answering the Question on the Order Paper.
Sir Martin Lindsay
, Solihull
Does the Minister not appreciate that once again farmers are being asked to save the country, and they cannot do it if they are short of labour?
Mr George Isaacs
, Southwark North
I said they were automatic ally deferred. There is a difference between deferment and exemption.
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