HC Deb 12 March 1917 vol 91 cc688-9
1. Mr. FIELD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the outlook respecting the national food supply, especially meat and other perishable foodstuffs, steps will be taken to protect those engineering firms whose existence is essential to the maintenance of the country's cold storage accommodation from further depictions of their skilled staffs and employés?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. G. Roberts)

The importance of engineering firms necessary to the maintenance and repair of the machinery and plant used at cold storage premises, and at factories and workshops doing essential work is fully recognised. The staffs of these firms have received a considerable measure of protection under the List of Certified Occupations, and their importance has also been recognised in the List of Trades and Occupations of Primary Importance recently issued by the Director-General of National Service.

Mr. FIELD

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, if I forward him particulars of certain cases of interference which are prejudicial to the trade, he will have them inquired into?

Mr. ROBERTS

Yes, Sir.