HC Deb 18 December 1946 vol 431 cc1959-60
59. Mr. John Lewis

asked the Minister of Food if he will set up a working party to inquire into conditions of the baking industry.

Mr. Strachey

My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the National Joint Committee of the Baking Industry is at present investigating the special problem of night work in bakeries. I do not think that a working party should be set up while these negotiations are going on.

Mr. Lewis

Will my right hon. Friend remember that these negotiations have been going on for a long time and that there is widespread discontent among baking operatives because of the failure of the employers' association to deal with the matter of night baking? Will he therefore keep a careful watch on the situation in order to avoid a dispute?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir, but this is rather a point for the Minister of Labour.

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