§ Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the national importance of the food distribution trade, it can now be regarded as a vital industry and placed on the same basis as public utility undertakings in order that suitable applicants who appear before labour tribunals can be directed into the essential trade of food distribution; and what is the present position?
§ Mr. McCorquodaleI presume my hon. Friend is referring to those industries in which women are placed after call-up under the National Service Acts or after registration under the Registration for Employment Order. These industries are chosen not only for their vital importance but also because of their need for large numbers of additional workers, and do not include any public utility service except transport. I regret that I cannot add food distribution to the list.