§ Mr. Churchill(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Food if he has any statement to make on the Smithfield meat strike, and what action he is prepared to take to ensure London's meat supply.
§ Mr. StracheyI am informed that officials of the Ministry of Labour met representatives of the employers and workers concerned this morning. Arrangements have been made to distribute the comparatively small supplies already in the market and the men have agreed to resume work for this purpose. It has also been arranged for the Conciliation Board to meet this afternoon in an endeavour to reach a settlement. I am, of course, in close consultation with my right hon. Friends the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Transport as to the best measure for minimising the effect of this dispute, should it continue, on London's meat supply.
§ Mr. ChurchillCan the right hon. Gentleman give us some assurance that the meat supply of London will be maintained and that there will not be great loss of perishable commodities?
§ Mr. StracheyAs to loss of perishable commodities, this latest information that the men have agreed to distribute the stock actually in the market is reassuring, but undoubtedly if the dispute continues for very much longer there is bound to be some interference with meat distribution, and we do regard it as of the utmost importance that a settlement should be reached promptly.