§ 3. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the information sent to him of a manufacturer of children's clothes and industrial overalls who had his employees reduced, in April, 1943, from 500 to 82 and has now been informed that they must be reduced to 12; and will he allow this firm to retain their present staff of 82, in view of the need for children's clothes and industrial overalls?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)On the general effect of the concentration of the clothing industry, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade. As regards the firm referred to, I am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. LipsonWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask whether he does not agree that in this essential home industry this reduction from 500 to 12 is a very drastic one?