§ Mr. Vernon Bartlettasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that cloth allocated by his Department to different firms has been taken over at the mills by the Ministry of Supply, under promise of replacement at an unspecified date, with the consequence that these firms will be unable to keep their present workers fully employed or to take back former employees after demobilisation; and what plans exist to enable these firms to pay full wages under the Essential Work Order.
§ Sir S. CrippsI assume that the hon. Member is referring to a diversion of shirting material to the manufacture of shirts for demobilised men. This does not reduce the volume of employment in shirt making. I am not aware of any cases of particular difficulty in shirt making firms; but if the hon. Member will give me details of any specific difficulties I will gladly make inquiries.