64. Miss Wardasked the Home Secretary whether he has taken the necessary steps to ensure that supplies of essential domestic equipment such as oil stoves, heaters, thermos flasks, brickets, etc., shall be available for the civilian populations in the areas subject to intensive bombardment and at prices unaffected by the Purchase Tax?
§ Mr. MabaneA special investigation is being made by the Ministry of Health into the availability of auxiliary cooking and heating appliances, and if special measures are found to be necessary they 694 will be taken. My right hon. Friend will examine with the Chancellor of the Exchequer the question of the application of the Purchase Tax to this type of article.
Miss WardCould my hon. Friend say when the investigation will be brought to an end and whether we shall have a report?
§ Mr. MabaneThe investigation is being conducted now and the matter will be taken up with the Chancellor of the Exchequer either to-day or to-morrow.