HC Deb 02 May 1918 vol 105 cc1706-7
60. Mr. MOLTENO

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the key men of the largest animal food products manufactory in Scotland are being called up; whether these men include the works manager, the foremen of every department, all the slaughterers and skinners, as well as the head bookkeeper, and every skilled man in the place; whether the business must close down if these men are taken; why, having regard to the national interest, this food manufactory should be closed at this time; whether a local investigation was promised, but no inquiry has yet been made of the proprietors as to the character, nature, and extent of the business; and whether the Ministry of Food proposed to ask the National Service Ministry to suspend the calling up of these men until such investigation has been made?

Mr. CLYNES

A careful investigation has been made into all the circumstances of this case, and it is thought that there is no necessity for action on the part of this Ministry.

Mr. MOLTENO

Have the managers of the business in question been consulted in any way or afforded an opportunity of showing what the nature of their business is?

Mr. CLYNES

I cannot say whether the managers personally have been consulted, but all the necessary information has been obtained for reaching the opinion that it is not a case in which the Food Ministry-need interfere

Mr. MOLTENO

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Adjournment to-night.