§ 2. Mr. Robert Gibsonasked the Minister of Labour whether, in the interests of operative bakers and of their families, as well as in the national interest, he will take steps to stop night baking during the war period?
§ Mr. BevinI have gone fully into this question, and as a result I am not prepared to recommend the prohibition of night baking at the present time. I am satisfied that such a prohibition would not overcome war-time difficulties and would tend to hamper the feeding of the community under war conditions. Further, it would seem that hardship would certainly result to the workpeople in many cases. In communicating this decision recently to the Unions of Bakers, Confectioners and Allied Workers I stated that in my opinion elasticity is essential in the matter of hours and that this can only be obtained by adjustment between the Unions and employer.
§ Mr. GibsonWill my right hon. Friend consider recommending, where it is possible to dispense with night baking in the interests of the families of the bakers, that such a departure from night baking might conveniently be made?
§ Mr. BevinWhat is convenient one day may be inconvenient on another day in this war. One might prohibit night baking, and then get a blitz which upsets the whole business. Therefore, I am unable to do as my hon. Friend suggests. I think it is better, under the Trade Board arrangements, for the matter to be arranged in the manner in which it is.