Mr. Slater:

asked the Minister of Agriculture what consideration is being given to the training schemes which have operated since the end of the war by his Department; and if he will state the number of entrants for training for the years 1947 up to and including 1953.

Training schemes for disabled persons and for ex-regular members of Her Majesty's Forces began after the war and a third more general scheme was begun in 1949. These schemes serve a useful purpose and it is my intention to continue them. Under these schemes, nearly 17,000 people have, in the period mentioned, been entered for training. A fourth scheme for training young towns-people began in 1951 and in its first three years there have been some 2,700 entrants.

Mr. Slater:

Whilst I am satisfied that the Minister is prepared to continue with these schemes, is he aware that when young men are called up for National Service many farmers are gravely concerned about finding labour to take on their duties, and can anything be done to assist the farmers who find themselves in that position?

That is an entirely different question.