HC Deb 29 January 1948 vol 446 c1189
44. Miss Bacon

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that owing to the cut in the allocation of wire, many people are experiencing great difficulty in obtaining fireguards; and if he proposes to take any action to remedy this.

Mr. H. Wilson

Over 500,000 wire fireguards were manufactured for domestic use during 1947 and I believe that this satisfied most of the demand. I would assure my hon. Friend that in allocating the restricted amounts of wire that are available the importance of adequate supplies of fireguards particularly for the protection of young children will not be overlooked.

Miss Bacon

Will my right hon. Friend look carefully into the distribution of fireguards, because from letters I have received from infant welfare associations it appears that there are difficulties in obtaining them in some areas.

Mr. Wilson

I have looked into this question myself, and I have seen a fair number of fireguards available in the shops. In the particular area which my hon. Friend has in mind there may be a local shortage, and if she will let me have particulars of it I will look into it.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

Will there also be some coal to guard?

Mr. Wilson

The hon. and gallant Gentleman seems to be a little behind the times.