asked the Minister of Labour whether he has con- sidered representations made, to him by the Smithfield Guild of Clerks and Salesmen with reference to the proposed dismissal by the London Wholesale Meat Supply Association, Limited, of all men of 65 years of age and over; and whether, in view of the national manpower position, he will indicate his Department's attitude.

Yes, Sir. I have already made it clear that in view of the general shortage of manpower, I deprecate the discharge of efficient workers for no other reason than that they have reached a particular age. The Government's appeal to the older men to stay at work carries with it an appeal to employers to keep them at work where possible. The circumstances of individual cases vary greatly, however, and I could not express an opinion on the merits of particular cases.

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey a very clear expression of his own Department's opinion to the Ministry of Food who, so far, have refused to help in this dispute at all?

I hope that to whoever this opinion applies, they will take notice of it.

Has my right hon. Friend also received representations from the Transport and General Workers Union, which is the most effective organisation in a case of this sort?

I cannot recall any representations from that body.