§ 38. Mr. E. J. Williamsasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to provide additional clothing and household linen to meet the increased demand in the evacuation areas.
§ 40. Sir Richard Wellsasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will allot extra coupons for household necessities to householders who have accepted evacuees.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton)Towels are the only household necessities which require coupons. I am arranging with my right hon. and learned Friend, the Minister of Health, to make towels available, coupon-free, with other household goods, to householders who have not enough to meet the additional strain imposed by billeting official evacuees. I regret that the shortage of sheets makes it impossible to include them in this scheme. Arrangements have also been made to ensure that all official evacuees have adequate clothing. I have instructed my area distribution officers to keep a close watch on supplies of clothing and other essential goods in reception areas.
§ Mr. DaltonTowels and tea towels are the only household goods requiring coupons. I am putting a supply of these at the disposal of the Minister of Health, for distribution.
§ Mr. BarnesCould not the Minister go the whole hog and take these towels off coupons?
§ Mr. DaltonNo, Sir. If I had not placed towels on coupons I would have had no stock to-day to place at the disposal of evacuees. That is a justification for my policy.