HC Deb 19 December 1946 vol 431 cc2152-3
27. Mr. Hale

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to amend the rules relating to the issue of dockets for utility furniture so as to make them available for any persons, whether widow, widower or spinster, who desires to furnish a home for himself or herself.

Sir S. Cripps

I regret that supplies would not justify the very wide increase in the number of applicants for utility furniture which my hon. Friend's proposal would involve.

Mr. Hale

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that widowers or spinsters who desire to set up a home, having lost their homes in war circumstances, are unable to do so because of this restriction, and will he make this small extension in order to send the junior Member for Oldham happily home for Christmas?

Sir S. Cripps

Such a concession would open up such a wide area that it would mean depriving the present people of the furniture they are now able to get.