HC Deb 10 February 1943 vol 386 cc1321-2
70. Mr. Banfield

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, apart from the transfer of men in urgent cases, any steps are being taken to ensure sufficient man-power to enable the baking trade to carry on; and whether employers' and workmen's representatives are being consulted?

Mr. Mabane

Under the new arrangements referred to in answer to recent Questions by my hon. Friend on this subject, the Divisional Food Officer will keep himself fully informed of the number of vacancies for bread bakers in his Division and will give every possible assistance to local officers of the Ministry of Labour and National Service in arranging for those vacancies to be filled. Where necessary, employers' and workmen's representatives have been and are being consulted. In addition, no application for deferment on behalf of a baker will be

figures will include that shop. The other question is a different matter.

Mr. Granville

Can the hon. Gentleman say why, when the Food Office recommended this case his own Department turned it down, and will he look into the matter?

Mr. Mabane

That is a different question.

Following is the statement:

refused except by agreement with the Divisional Food Officer. There should, therefore, be no danger of the man-power in the baking trade being reduced below what is necessary to maintain the bread supply.

Mr. E. Walkden

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say why, when he has given an assurance that the interests of the men who bake the bread will be the subject of consultation between the workers' representatives, the Ministry of Labour and his own Department, those who distribute the bread are not subject to the same consultation?

Mr. Mabane

Because there are quite different considerations involved from those of the bakers.

Mr. Walkden

But are these not equally important?

Mr. Mabane

Quite.