§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his recent discussions with the trade unions concerned, relating to the requirement on bakery employees to work a 12-hour shift for six shifts a week, instead of eight hours at a time, when Spillers French bakeries are making workers redundant; and what steps he will take to intervene.
§ Mr. John SilkinI understand that the question of shifts and working hours is currently under discussion between representatives of the employers and trade unions. This is a matter for negotiation between them, but I have made clear to the employers the importance which the Government attach to saving as many jobs as possible by extending the arrangements for a five-day week.