§ 37. Brigadier-General M'CALMONTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the scheme for the controlled sale of cartridges for the protection of the crops and the production of food is largely dependent on small country businesses; and whether he will approach the Ministry of National Service with a view to the exemption of one-man-business men in this trade, who are engaged in work of national importance which cannot be adequately carried on under the scheme entirely by the large City firms?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Mr. Clynes)I believe that the hon. and gallant Member does not exaggerate the importance of small country businesses in connection with the sale of cartridges, but I understand that the arrangements made for securing the exemption of men who are essential to the maintenance of the food supply are sufficient to safeguard the class of traders to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. If and specific instance is brought to my notice, I will see that appropriate action is taken.