HC Deb 21 March 1944 vol 398 cc664-5
44. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the widespread public dissatisfaction with the laundry industry and delays in deliveries causing hardships to housewives and their families; and what steps he proposes to remedy this state of affairs.

Mr. Dalton

With a much reduced labour force, the laundries have to handle a greatly increased volume of work from the civilians and from the Fighting Services. In these circumstances, I regret that delays in deliveries are inevitable, but I am doing all I can, by spreading the Forces' work over as wide an area as possible, to maintain a satisfactory laundry service.

Mr. Shinwell

Could my right hon. Friend use his good offices with the laundries of this country in order to prevent our shirts being torn to pieces?

Major Lloyd

Is the light hon. Gentleman aware that the laundry industry is being crippled by the call-up?

Mr. Dalton

If it were not for the call-up the war effort would be crippled.