46. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Labour what plans and arrangements he has made for the absorption of the 2,000 people who are at present employed by the Ministry of Food in the administration of the bread rationing system when that system comes to an end.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)When employees of the Ministry of Food become redundant through the abolition of bread rationing, the facilities offered by local offices of my Department are available to assist them to find further employment.
Mr. De la BèreIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am not going to make a speech about this? Is he further aware that the tragic farce the Government made of bread rationing leaves me absolutely speechless?
§ Mr. IsaacsIf the consequence of the "tragic" legislation passed by the Government is your silence, I think it would be a good job if we had some more.
§ Earl WintertonOn a point of Order. I wish to draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the gross attack the Minister has just made in addressing you. He said that it would be better if you kept silent. Is that in Order from a Minister? [Interruption.] It is time you obeyed the Rules of the House.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am afraid that it missed me.
§ Earl WintertonIt is not the first time the right hon. Gentleman has been grossly disorderly, or perhaps rude in addressing you, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. DumpletonIs it in Order for the noble Lord to say that it is about time "you" learnt the Rules of the House?
§ Mr. SpeakerI think we might call it even—it is a Roland for an Oliver.
§ Earl WintertonFurther to that point of Order, may I most humbly apologise and express the hope that the Minister of Labour will have the courtesy to follow my example?
§ Mr. IsaacsIf following the noble Lord's example is courtesy, I shall avoid doing it.