§ 32. Mr. Banfieldasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the heavy death-roll of operative bakers employed on night-work, he will reconsider the suggestions made to him which would have the effect of bread being made in the daytime, without any interference with supply?
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)The suggestions made by my hon. Friend are, I am afraid, impracticable in existing conditions. If the House will permit me, however, I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my great admiration for the way in which operatives engaged in night baking have stood to their task of maintaining the nation's bread supply during recent months.
§ Mr. BanfieldWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman call the attention of his Noble Friend to the tragedy in which 32 men were killed in one bakery? If night baking is unnecessary, why should lives be risked in this way?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am aware of the occurrence to which the hon. Member has referred, but I am informed, after most careful inquiry, that it would not be practicable to supply the bread necessary without night baking, especially as the consumption of bread his increased by 20 per cent. in the last few months.
§ Mr. BanfieldWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman take advantage of my expert advice on the question?
Viscountess AstorAs blitzes come mostly at night-time, could not a further effort be made to bake in the day?