§ 4. Viscount Suirdaleasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a small trader, of whose name he has been in formed, has been directed to work as a tradesman in his own trade for a co-operative society; and, in view of the fact that this is unfair both to the trader himself, who is forced to close down his own business, and to the society to which he has been directed, whether he will reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. BevinThe man to whom my Noble Friend refers is 30 years of age and owns a small baking business. His work in this business did not justify deferment, and when further postponement of calling-up was refused by the Military Service (Hardship) Committee, he became available for service in H.M. Forces. As there is a shortage of skilled bakers, he was, however, given the prior opportunity of transferring to a bakery in which his skill could be used to full advantage.
§ Viscount SuirdaleWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, might I ask him to be good enough to bear in mind the question of whether he will be able, if not now in the comparatively near future, to direct this man into some other job?