HC Deb 22 June 1944 vol 401 cc347-8
41. Mr. Denman

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the shortage of rubber teats and valves for infants' feeding bottles is aggravated by the requirement that part of the manufacture of these goods shall be allocated to export, as well as by the inferior lasting qualities of the latex teats in production; and whether he will see that Rubber Control take steps to help manufacturers to meet this domestic demand.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)

In co-operation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, I have recently arranged to increase raw materials available to manufacturers. I am already looking into the questions of export and quality to which my hon. Friend refers.

Mr. Hynd

Is the Board of Trade paying sufficient attention to the importance of priority being given to teats for feeding bottles, in the interests of children who have to be artificially fed? Is he aware that many chemists are unable to supply them, although artificial soothing dummies are sold at drug stores at inflated prices, and have all the appearance of being teats which have been taken from feeding bottles?

Captain Waterhouse

I am aware that there has been a shortage, and that is why I have replied that I am arranging for an increase.