§ Mr. Cyril Lloydasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the serious effect on the public convenience caused by the withdrawal for National Service of skilled men from the distribution of food; and whether he will approach the Minister of Home Security to secure that men in the National Fire Service, and other Defence Services, who are skilled in the manner indicated, shall be allowed to volunteer their services for the distribution of food, so far as this would not affect their efficiency in the National Service?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am not aware that any serious inconvenience to the public has been caused by the withdrawal from food distribution of men for National Service. Indeed, by collaboration with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, care is taken that the withdrawal of both men and women from the food trades shall not seriously interfere with food distribution. The question whether members of Civil Defence Services and366W of the Armed Forces can be brought in to give further assistance in food distribution is being considered. Arrangements already exist with the Army authorities for the use of troops for unloading foodstuffs into warehouses and for similar work.