§ Mr. Banfieldasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the inquiries made by local bread officers, at the request of the regional food officer, on the question of deferment of master bakers involve the bread officers' opinion as to whether the business could be closed down and, since in many cases the bread officer is also a master baker and a trade rival, that this practice is open to objection; and whether he will establish an independent tribunal before which the tradesman can state his case?
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§ Mr. MabaneNo, Sir. When an application for deferment is referred by the District Man Power Board of the Ministry of Labour to a divisional food officer, the latter and not the area bread officer is responsible for whatever recommendations he makes to the Man Power Board. My Noble Friend sees no reason to vary present procedure on this matter.