HC Deb 20 February 1941 vol 369 cc263-4
11. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in considering manpower problems in future, he will bear in mind the necessity of the proper staffing of shops and warehouses by skilled and experienced persons handling foodstuffs, especially in view of the increasing difficulties encountered by those employed in those establishments?

Mr. Bevin

In connection with the revision of the Schedule of Reserved Occupations, which is now approaching completion, I have arranged, in consultation with my right hon. and Noble Friend the Minister of Food, to continue the reservation of man-power for the food distributive trades to the greatest extent possible, in the light of the general man-power position.

Mr. Davies

Is the right hen. Gentleman aware that very important branches of the distribution of food are already completely denuded of experienced men shop assistants? Will he keep that fact in mind?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, Sir, I will, and I will take the opportunity of saying to my hon. Friend that people in the distributive and other trades must recognise that the training of other people must go on, and that we must not leave their problem until the actual call-up takes place, because the man-power problem is getting very difficult.

Mr. Davies

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in other occupations which are not more important than that of food distribution, a. less number is called up, proportionately, than in food distribution?