asked the Minister of Agriculture the present strength of the Women's Land Army; the numbers recruited during the past six months; and the number which it has been found impossible to place in immediate employment.

The enrolled strength of the Women's Land Army on 18th November was 26,808, and on that date 146 recruits were awaiting places. Some 8,178 volunteers were enrolled in the preceding six months.

Can the Minister tell us what the wastage was; was there a net increase?

The wastage over the same period was somewhere about 8,000, many of whom were entitled to release according to their contract.