MEN FOR FARM WORK

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23742, 14 September 1942, Page 4

MEN FOR FARM WORK

♦ 8000 RELEASED BY ARMY POSITION OF PRODUCTION COUNCILS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 12. Commenting on the manpower position as it affects primary producers, the Minister of Primary Production for War Purposes (the Hon. W. J. Poison) said that one or two councils had been complaining of the shortage of men and stating that increased production had been tackled on his assurance that labour would be made available. . , , Mr Poison added that he had said that as far as possible the Army would assist production by releasing men who were not essential, and since that arrangement was made 8000 men had been released and men were still being released. However, it was necessary to retain certain classes of men in the Army. He had already informed production councils that there had been no interference with the original advice sent them on procedure to be followed. “They can continue to deal with appeals as before," continued the Minister, ‘‘except that men allocated for reinforcements and for those forces likely to be required in other theatres considered front lines of defence who have received a substantial proportion of their training shall not be withdrawn except under exceptional circumstances. This also applies to Grade 1 single men between the ages of 21 and 41.’* . Mr Poison added that he had received a promise from the military authorities that where releases were recommended for other men they would be made as rapidly as possible.