§ 61. Mr. Perkinsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why the bacon factory, known as Smith, Rogers and Company, of Ebley, Stroud, Gloucestershire, has been closed down; and how many men have now been re leased for other work of national importance?
§ Mr. MabaneThe factory was closed to release labour for other work of national importance, and I understand that seven men, all engaged in bacon curing, were rendered redundant to that side of the business. Four of these men have already left the firm.
§ 62. Mr. Perkinsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what arrangements have been made with regard to the disposal of offals in the area which has recently been served by Smith, Rogers and Company, bacon curers, of Ebley, Stroud, Gloucestershire?
§ Mr. MabaneIf my hon. Friend is referring to the disposal of offals by nucleus factories, this has been left to private arrangements between those firms which continue in operation as curers and those firms where curing has ceased.
§ Mr. PerkinsCan the Minister give the House an assurance that the firm that has been closed down will get its definite proportion?
§ Mr. MabaneI said in my original reply that that is left to private arrangement between the firms concerned.
§ Mr. PerkinsDo I understand that the hon. Member is not responsible for those arrangements?
§ Mr. MabaneYes, Sir.