§ 54. Mr. Silkinasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that there is a serious shortage of unrationed foods and household materials, such as soap, in areas where the population has recently been substantially increased by reason of evacuation from bombed areas; and what steps he is taking to deal with these shortages?
Major Lloyd GeorgeTemporary shortages of unrationed foods have occurred at certain places through the unexpected influx of population, but this has been adjusted in most cases within a very few days. So far as soap is concerned, my Noble Friend is not aware of any serious shortage. The Ministry of Food exercise no control over the distribution of soap, but I am informed that the principal firms manufacturing soap have, for some time, been allocating increased supplies to the reception areas. Other soap 1705 manufacturers are being approached through the Soap Makers' Federation with a view to their taking similar action. If my hon. Friend will let me have details of areas in which shortages have been reported, I will arrange for investigations to be made.
§ Mr. WatkinsDoes the Department constantly bear in mind the problem of those districts in which there has been a large influx of new population, and which are suffering from shortage of food and other materials?
Major Lloyd GeorgeCertainly, but unfortunately it sometimes happens that an influx occurs without any warning. In those circumstances it takes a day or two to put the matter right, but normally arrangements are made.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there are many areas in the Home Counties where there is a definite shortage of foodstuffs, particularly milk?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am very surprised to hear that. If the hon. Gentleman has cases in mind, I should be very grateful if he would bring them to my notice.
§ Mr. BuchananIs there any way by which in a locality one can make a quick approach to somebody for the purpose of getting action taken when there is a shortage, as in certain parts of Glasgow recently, when there was a shortage of cooking salt?
Major Lloyd GeorgeIn such cases an approach could be made to the local food officer, who could then communicate, if there was any difficulty, with the Ministry.