§ Major Nieldasked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider taking steps in conjunction with the other Departments concerned to exempt or release from full-time war service skilled bacon curers whose special knowledge is im- 1048W portant from the point of view of maintaining food supplies?
§ Mr. BevinThe occupation of bacon-curer is at present reserved at and above the age of 30. I am in constant consultation with my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of Food in regard to the reservation of occupations concerned with the manufacture and processing of food, and reservation is accorded to these occupations to the greatest possible extent, having regard to the general man power position. It is not practicable, however, to increase the present measure of reservation of bacon-curers.