§ 6. Mr. Hannahasked the President of the Board of Trade what guarantee is given to a person whose business is compulsorily closed down for the duration that he will be enabled to resume his trade when the war is over?
§ Mr. DaltonMy hon. Friend will appreciate that no absolute guarantee can be given. But as stated in the Explanatory Memorandum on Concentration of Production, the Departments concerned will-take all measures open to them to assist the re-opening of closed factories. The Board of Trade keep a register of factories closed down under concentration arrangements and the Ministry of Labour a record of transferred workers so that their return to their old employment after the war may be facilitated.
§ Mr. HannahWill there by any compensation for those who are unable to get back to their old work?
§ Mr. DaltonThat is a question for the future; I do not think I can answer it now.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesIt may be true that a register is kept of factories that are closed, but is a similar record kept of retail businesses that are closed?
§ Mr. DaltonThis Question does not ask that, but I will look it up. I think a record is kept, but I should like to have notice of the Question.
§ Mr. HannahIs it not very important that such a record should be kept?