HC Deb 19 December 1945 vol 417 cc1336-7
52. Wing-Commander Roland Robinson

asked the Minister of Food what is the reason for the multiplicity of forms issued by his Department in connection with the rationing of soap; and whether he will assist all concerned in the soap trade by arranging a simplification of procedure in this matter.

Sir B. Smith

The minimum number of forms is being used to enable traders to obtain supplies of soap, and the procedure is as simple as possible.

Wing-Commander Robinson

What is the advantage of having the dealers in soap spend a lot of time delivering these seven complicated forms which I hold in my hand?

Sir B. Smith

My information is that there are three.

56. Mr. Lavers

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that owing to the hard nature of the domestic water in the North-east, the present soap ration is inadequate; and what steps he will take to remedy the present unsatisfactory position.

Sir B. Smith

While I appreciate the point made by the hon. Member, the shortage of fats makes it impossible for me to increase the soap ration at present, and it is not practicable to differentiate between areas according to the type of water.

Mr. Lavers

While appreciating the answer given by the Minister, may I ask if he is aware that, in order to maintain a reasonable standard of cleanliness, our womenfolk are compelled to go round the shops in search of the remaining sticks of shaving soap a most uneconomical and unsatisfactory state of affairs?

Sir B. Smith

That is a little hard on the beard, but my problem is to get oils and fats to make the soap go round at all.