§ 60. Mr. MOLTENOasked 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. CLYNESA 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. MOLTENOHave 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. CLYNESI cannot say whether the managers personally have been consulted, but all the necessary information has been 1707 obtained for reaching the opinion that it is not a case in which the Food Ministry-need interfere
§ Mr. MOLTENOIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Adjournment to-night.