§ 55. Captain P. Macdonaldasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the anxiety of distributors of essential foodstuffs, such as groceries and meat, at the depletion of their staffs, which is making it almost impossible for them to carry on their work; and whether he will consider classing these trades to some extent as essential war activities?
The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. McCorquo-dale)By agreement with my Noble Friend the Minister of Food, withdrawals of staff from the food distributive trades are regulated under arrangements made locally between the two Departments. These arrangements, which have full regard for the vital importance of food distribution, are working well and at present I see no necessity for changing them.