§ Captain Profumoasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the increasing number of housewives who are taking up work of national importance, he is satisfied that the laundry industry, already faced with great difficulties, can continue to maintain its services; and whether he will take further steps to ensure that an adequate supply of labour remains available for this industry to deal with the growing calls that are being made upon it?
§ Mr. BevinThe Department is taking such action as is practicable to prevent laundry staffs from being unduly depleted but cannot at present ensure that workers do not leave for other employment. The question of bringing laundries under the Essential Work Order is under consideration.