§ 9. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Labour whether in considering the several claims for priority in demobilisation he will fully protect the claims of the distributive and allied trades which have probably contributed more proportionately, to the fighting Services than any other section of the community.
§ Mr. BevinNo, Sir. The distributive and allied trades will have to rely for increasing their labour force on those released from the Forces in Class A and on men and women returning from other industries.
§ Mr. DaviesDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the distributive trades have contributed proportionately more to the Fighting Services than other sections of the community?
§ Mr. DaviesYes, they have.
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is an argument, not a question.
§ Mr. BevinThe fact that there has been a heavy call up as compared with many reserved occupations means that they were called up very early on in the war, and those trades which were subject to the early call up will benefit most from the release according to age and length of service.