asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has recommended that slaughtermen and cutters be placed in the reserved list of occupations; and whether he can state the approximate date when a decision will be made on this important matter?

Slaughtermen and butchers' cutters are already on the reserved list of occupations for reservation at age 30. I presume the hon. Member refers to the proposal that the age of reservation of slaughtermen and cutters should be reduced from 30 to 25. If so, I would refer him to the replies which he received from my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour on 7th March. As regards the second part of the Question, it is hoped that a decision will be reached very shortly.