§ 50. Mr. James Hallasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has recently been in communication with the Standing Joint Committee of Industrial Women's Organisations on the subject of food supplies and rationing; and why the Minister refused to receive a deputation from this organisation?
Major Lloyd GeorgeMy Noble Friend sent a full reply to the representations received from the committee to which my hon. Friend refers and expressed his regret that he was unable at present to adopt the suggestion that he should meet one or two representatives of the committee to discuss in person the subjects dealt with in the correspondence.
§ Mr. HallDo not the Minister and his Noble Friend agree that the practical experience that these women have gained would be valuable to his Department and that they might be able to make suggestions for getting rid of some of the difficulties?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI fully appreciate that point. I agree, after reading through the correspondence, that very valuable suggestions were put forward by the organisation to which the hon. Gentleman has referred, and a very full reply was sent and very careful note made of the suggestions.
§ Mr. HallDo I understand from the Minister's answers that, in the near future, he or his Noble Friend will be prepared to reconsider the decision and to receive a deputation from this organisation?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI could not answer for my Noble Friend, but I will convey to him what the hon. Gentleman has said.