Colonel BURN(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for War whether Reservists engaged in equitable retail distribution of groceries will on public grounds be granted exemption in the present crisis?
§ Mr. WATERSONBefore the right hon. Gentleman replies may I ask whether exemption has already been granted to those engaged in the wholesale trades?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)The answer is in the negative. Exemptions have been allowed in certain wholesale trades and pivotal industries, but if they are extended the value of the Army Reserve will be destroyed. While I regret the inconvenience to the retail traders, I hope they will find that the work can be done by substitutes during the crisis.
§ Mr. NEWBOULDIs it not more a question of inconvenience to the consumers than to the retail traders?