§ 12. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Minister of Labour whether he has now completed his consideration of the representations on behalf of the Scottish Livestock Salesmen's Association regarding the calling up of these salesmen; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?
§ Mr. BevinI have considered these representations, and after consultation with my Noble Friend the Minister of Food I have come to the conclusion that the position will be sufficiently safeguarded by deferring for the present the call-up of livestock salesmen of 35 years of age and over engaged on duties on behalf of the Ministry of Food.
§ Mr. GibsonHas my right hon. Friend given special consideration to the Scottish aspect, which was the subject of my Question? Has he seen the Secretary of State for Scotland?
§ Mr. BevinThe Department would have consulted, I think, all the other Departments concerned, including the Ministry of Food. I will inquire whether they saw the Secretary of State for Scotland, but I do not think that Scotland is treated worse than England in this answer.
§ Mr. GibsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that I have had special representations 276 from Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Galloway and Midlothian, and can he say how many men in Scotland are affected by his decision?
§ Mr. BevinI shall be pleased to send the figures to my hon. and learned Friend. I have not got them with me.
§ Mr. MathersDoes my right hon. Friend recognise that in consulting the Minister of Agriculture he is consulting only the English interests, and that the Secretary of State for Scotland is the Minister of Agriculture for Scotland?