§ 64. Mr. Quintin Hoggasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the complaint of the 186 Oxford Division Medical War Committee about the system of priorities whereby civilian work has to take last place; and whether he will consider their suggestions that special laundry facilities be provided for the Services and hospitals by mobile units, or otherwise.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)The complaint referred to in the Question has not yet reached me, but laundries have been advised that, whenever they cannot handle all the work sent to them, they should observe the following order of priority: First, hospital work, both Service and civilian; second, all other Service work; third, contracts for public services, schools, shipping, hotels, etc.; and fourth, civilian household work. All available Service mobile laundry units are already fully engaged on Army work.
§ Mr. HoggIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the effect upon health and sanitation of the long delays which are taking place is serious, and will he see whether further facilities can be made available for the Services and Government contracts?
§ Captain WaterhouseI am well aware of the grave inconvenience which the laundry shortage is causing, and we are doing our best in difficult circumstances to remedy it.