55. Mr. Murrayasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Brandon and Byshottles Co-operative Society are experiencing great shortages of flock mattresses and other bedding that go with utility bedsteads; and whether he will endeavour to remedy this position by increasing the supply of the above-mentioned articles.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)Arrangements have already been made whereby persons entitled to Utility bedsteads can also obtain priority dockets which will give them priority in the supply of Utility mattresses, Utility sheets, and National Price Controlled blankets.
Mr. MurrayIs the Minister aware that in the Brandon and Byshottles Co-operative Society there are any amount of bedsteads but no bedding at all and no mattresses of any description to sell to the people? The people are refusing to have the bedsteads because the other material is not available.
§ Captain WaterhouseI am aware that there is a certain shortage; the supply of mattresses depends on the amount of ticking available. On the other hand, inquiries show that Brandon and Byshottles is no worse off than other parts of the country.
Mr. MurrayWhat is the use of having utility bedsteads in the Co-operative Society, unless the mattresses are there to go with them? It is absolutely no use at all.
§ Captain WaterhouseHad the hon. Member listened to my reply he would have realised that I was speaking of the area and not of a particular shop in it.