16. Mr. Astorasked the President of the, Board of Trade whether he is aware of the serious situation prevailing in working-class households regarding household linen, towels and bedding; and whether he will undertake that, when the supply of goods justifies an increase in coupon allowance, he will consider giving preferential treatment to this need?
§ Mr. DaltonAs I have said in reply to previous Questions on this subject, the only essential household goods subject to coupon are towels and tea-cloths, and everyone who does not buy his own should take his turn to contribute a coupon or two when replacement is necessary. Bedding and other household linen are not rationed, but I am closely watching supplies.
Mr. AstorMay I suggest that the right hon. Gentleman would do well to give some discretion for the giving of special coupons to households where there may be great difficulty on this matter?
§ Mr. DaltonWe have given considerable study to this question of the separate household ration. It is full of the most grave administrative complexities, which I have explained in previous answers in this House and should be very glad to explain to my hon. Friend.
§ Sir H. WilliamsDoes the Minister think it desirable that Questions about bed linen should be asked by men?