32. Mrs. Manningasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that it is impossible to buy wool for babies' layettes in Leyton, Walthamstow or Chingford; and if he will immediately supply it to the shops in these areas so that expectant mothers may make the necessary preparations for the births of their babies.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Sir Stafford Cripps)The supply of baby wool is rather short in most areas, but I am not aware that it is any worse in Leyton, Walthamstow and Chingford than elsewhere. The Board of Trade do not regulate the distribution of this material, and I am, therefore, unable to direct supplies to particular areas. To meet the greatly increased demand due to the rising birthrate, I arranged last autumn for production of baby wool to he increased, but some output was unavoidably lost during the fuel crisis. The worsted spinners, however, who produce the bulk of these wools, have been given preference in the supply of fuel, and output is already increasing again. I hope that supplies in the shops will improve in the next few months. I am also considering whether anything can be done to give preference to expectant mothers and mothers of young children in the matter of supplies.
Mrs. ManningIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that a great deal of the baby wool that is available is used by people who do not need it for young children? Will he, by the issue of a S.R. and O., or by some other means, ensure that the small supply goes to those who most need it?
§ Sir S. CrippsThe hon. Lady will see that I have stated that I am considering that matter now.