§ 23. Mr. Daggarasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the general complaint regarding the shortage of blankets and sheets; and whether, in view of the restricted supply during the war period, he will consider an increase in the quantity now available.
§ Captain WaterhouseIn recent months steps have been taken progressively to increase the production of sheets, and as my right hon. Friend informed my hon. Friend the Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) on Tuesday last, arrangements have now been made for material hitherto used for blackout cloth to be switched to sheets. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, at my request, has arranged for a substantial number of cotton-warp blankets to be manufactured and these should be coming forward shortly. I shall take every opportunity of increasing supplies of sheets and blankets, but at present there is no spare labour and capacity in the cotton and wool textile industries.
§ Mr. DaggarDo I understand that arrangements will be made to vary the coupon requirements? It is no good placing sufficient sheets and blankets on the market unless the coupons are made available.
§ Captain WaterhouseNeither sheets nor blankets have ever been on coupons.
§ Sir H. WilliamsDo I understand that the white sheets are to be mainly reserved for members of His Majesty's Government, and the wet blankets for the manufacturers?