§ Mr. Leslieasked the Minister of Food why shop workers are treated as non-manual workers under the bread-rationing scheme; and if he will place those employed in food shops under the category of manual workers, in view of the heavy and tiring nature of their work.
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§ Mr. StracheyThe categories of manual workers have been arranged in consultation with the Ministry of Labour, Trades Union Congress, and the British Employers Confederation. Shop workers, as such, are not considered to be doing sufficiently heavy work to be included in the category of manual workers, but those who are engaged for not less than 22 hours a week in such work as shifting heavy goods will qualify.
§ Mr. Leslieasked the Minister of Food whether he will consider the advisability of customers registering at baker's shops for the rationing of bread so as to ensure a proper supply at each shop and prevent possible wastage if the purchasing public change from shop to shop, day by day.
§ Mr. StracheyI considered this suggestion fully before introducing the bread rationing scheme and decided that it was, on balance, undesirable.