§ 57. Mr. Hyndasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that rubber dummy teats are being sold in drug stores and peddled by canvassers to chemists; that there appears to be a prodigality of rubber prophylactic goods; that many chemists are unable to obtain necessary supplies of teats and valves for feeding bottles; and whether, in view of the importance of the latter in the interests of national health, some inquiry will be made into the general position of priorities for pharmaceutical rubber goods with a view to an early adjustment.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)As my hon. Friend was informed yesterday, the manufacture of rubber dummy teats is prohibited. I would remind him that, in co-operation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, arrangements have recently been made to increase raw materials available to manufacturers of rubber teats and valves.
§ Mr. HyndIs not the Minister aware that, although the manufacture of dummy rubber teats has been prohibited, they are still being openly peddled round druggists' shops and in many cases have all the appearance of having been adapted from bottle teats which chemists are unable to obtain for bottles already in stock?
§ Captain WaterhouseI am aware such allegations have been made and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply is having the matter looked into.