§ 5. Lieut.-Colonel Wickhamasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the shortage of toilet paper still persists; and what steps he is taking to expedite delivery to retail shops in the Taunton Division.
§ Mr. DaltonYes, Sir. The allocations to manufacturers were substantially increased in December, and increased supplies will reach the shops as soon as the paper can be manufactured and distributed.
§ Lieut.-Colonel WickhamIs the Minister aware that there have been complaints not only from the general public and public authorities, but also the Association of Pharmacists, that there has been no perceptible improvement in the situation? Can he say when there will be an improvement?
§ Mr. DaltonIn this matter we have been living largely on stocks, which are approaching exhaustion. I have, however, made vigorous efforts to increase production and we have now passed more than three quarters of the pre-war rate of production which, in the sixth year of the war, is not too bad.
§ Lieut.-Colonel WickhamThe Minister has not answered my question. Can he say how long my constituents have to go on living on hope?
§ Mr. DaltonThat depends upon the speed of manufacture.
§ Mr. ShinwellCan my right hon. Friend say whether this is one of the principal planks in the programme of the Tory Party?
10. Mr. Arthur Duckworthasked the President of the Board of Trade why no envelopes are available for purchase by the public in the town of Shrewsbury; and whether he will take the necessary steps to make a supply available through the retail shops.
§ Mr. DaltonI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Reigate (Mr. Touche) on 18th January. I am glad to say that it has now been possible to make a further increase in the allocation of paper for stationery.