HC Deb 18 February 1942 vol 377 cc1795-6
50. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether supplementary rations of soap to various classes of workers is contemplated?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)

Provision has already been made to enable miners at collieries where there are pit-head baths to obtain soap free of the ration for use at such baths. The needs of other groups are under consideration.

Mr. Higgs

Is it not possible to free medicated soap from the restrictions, and, if not, could not arrangements be made to issue coupons against a doctor's certificate?

Major Lloyd George

I will look into that matter.

Mr. T. Smith

Does the reply mean that supplementary rations of soap will be available to miners who have to wash at home because there are no pit-head baths at the pit?

Major Lloyd George

I cannot add anything to my reply. As I have said, the needs of other groups are under consideration. Pits which have pit-head baths have soap, and those which have no soap will come under review.

Mr. Smith

Will the Minister expedite this decision as quickly as possible?

Mr. R. J. Taylor

Could not a uniform soap ration be granted in the case of those pits which have no pit-head baths?

Major Lloyd George

That is what I meant when I said that the needs of other groups are under consideration.

Mr. Thorne

Is the Minister considering the advisability of giving more soap to people living in London?

Major Lloyd George

There is a Question on the Order Paper dealing with that point.

51. Mr. Douglas

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can arrange to increase the soap ration in the area of the Metropolitan Water Board on account of the excessive hardness of the water?

Major Lloyd George

ND, Sir.

Mr. Douglas

Does not the Minister consider that it is unfair to districts where soap does not go nearly as far?

Major Lloyd George

It is impossible to be absolutely fair. If you gave extra soap to London, you would have to give it to other areas as well, and it would be very difficult to say where hard water ends and where soft water begins.

53. Mr. Woods

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether provision will be made for additional soap to be allowed to meet the respective requirements of infants and babies, and families unable to make use of the service of laundries?

Major Lloyd George

My Noble Friend will give careful consideration to the soap requirements of the classes referred to by my hon. Friend, but he has so far no evidence that the prescribed ration will not prove to be sufficient for every class of domestic consumer.