HC Deb 22 January 1947 vol 432 c228
61. Captain John Crowder

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that supplies of household soap and soap flakes are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain; and what steps he is taking to increase supplies.

Mr. Strachey

It is exceedingly difficult under conditions of shortage to ensure that all the different kinds of soap are available in the desired proportions everywhere. But in order to ensure that the present ration is met we have increased the fats allocation to manufacturers by five per cent.

Captain Crowder

Would the Minister bear in mind that owing to the difficulty that everybody has with laundries, it is most important to have available as much household soap as possible; and could he look into the matter as to whether there is a disproportion between household and toilet soap, because householders have great difficulty in these days in getting soap flakes?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Butcher

Is the Minister aware that his divisional officers in Manchester and elsewhere give no facilities for the movement of soap stored in warehouses in Liverpool?

Mr. Strachey

Perhaps the hon. Member would give me particulars.