HC Deb 19 December 1945 vol 417 cc1334-5
63. Mr. Royle

asked the Minister of Food if he is prepared to recommend that all men in the distributive food trades, who were compelled to close their shops oft entering His Majesty's Service, should be released under Scheme B to enable them to re-open in time for the next registration period in July 1946.

Sir B. Smith

I am not prepared to go so far as my hon. Friend suggests, but would refer him to the comprehensive reply I gave on the question of releases to the hon. Member for Stalybridge (Mr. Lang) on 24th October last.

Mr. Royle

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate the great disadvantage under which these men will be placed, in view of the fact that they will have to enter into competition, and may I ask him if he will see to it that men in the Forces who had to close their shops will be out very quickly?

Sir B. Smith

All I can do is to suggest that my hon. Friend makes an application through the proper channels—that is, to the Ministry of Labour under Class B.