HC Deb 18 March 1941 vol 370 cc14-5
28. Mr. Butcher

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, as a result of the curtailment of supplies, many women and men above military age carrying on business as small shopkeepers are under-employed; and whether, to ensure full use of their services, he will divert to them, for distribution, the goods now being sold by Woolworth's, Marks and Spencer and similar stores, thus releasing large numbers of young women well suited by age for war work, and making available large open ground-floor premises for storage or industrial purposes?

Mr. Lyttelton

I am aware that there are some small shopkeepers who are now under-employed. I think that the remedy suggested by my hon. Friend is not in the public interest; I have every reason to suppose that the chain stores will make their appropriate contribution towards the demand for munitions labour.

Mr. Butcher

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that large numbers of small shopkeepers have been compelled to close their businesses to take up military service, and will he give an assurance that the chain stores will not be more leniently treated?

Mr. Lyttelton

That is a matter for the Ministry of Labour. I understand that discussions are now in progress with certain chain stores on the subject.

Mr. Garro Jones

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that the scheme for the concentration of industry has no application whatever to retail industry, that the retail industries' hardships will be greatly added to by the concentration of manufacturing industry, and can he say what steps he proposes to take to meet those additional hardships, which are undoubtedly going to fall upon retail industries of all kinds?

Mr. Lyttelton

I think my hon. Friend is misinformed on that subject. The concentration of industries does not reduce production below present figures.

Sir H. Williams

What steps are being taken to find jobs for those people who will lose their employment before these businesses are closed?

Mr. Butcher

I beg to give notice of my intention to raise the matter at an early date.