HC Deb 10 July 1950 vol 477 cc949-51
40. Mr. Slater

asked the Minister of Food if he has any announcement to make on soap rationing and allocation.

42. Mr. Harrison

asked the Minister of Food if he is now in a position to make a statement regarding supplies of soap.

Mr. Webb

I am now able to give advance notice that soap will be completely de-rationed on 10th September next. This further extension of free buying of an essential domestic commodity has been made possible by the recent improvement in our supplies of the necessary raw materials. This improvement is so substantial and, on the most careful estimate, certain to continue, that I have found it possible to proceed at once with complete de-rationing instead of taking the interim step of increasing the ration. I am making the announcement now to enable manufacturers to use their raw materials to produce enough soap, including soap powders, to meet the probable demand when rationing stops.

Mr. Harrison

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this announcement will be received with great satisfaction by everybody in the country? Incidentally, has he made quite sure that the various qualities of soap will be in reasonable supply so that there will be no shortage of certain qualities when de-rationing takes place?

Mr. Webb

I think we have over-insured ourselves against that particular possibility.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the children have been consulted about this decision?

Mr. Somerville Hastings

Is my right hon. Friend quite sure that when soap is de-rationed the price of the various kinds will not rise?

Mr. Webb

It will still remain subject to price control.

Sir H. Williams

As the opponents of soap have been spending £2 million a year advertising alternatives to soap, does the right hon. Gentleman think that there is any risk of the price rising?

Mr. Drayson

Does the Minister mean that there will be de-rationing of control of the raw materials used in soap manufacture?

Mr. Webb

We still retain our control over the distribution of raw materials, but we are in touch with the trade and they are quite happy about the arrangement which we have made with them.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is it absolutely necessary to wait until September? Why not do it now and cover the holiday period?

Mr. Webb

For the very obvious reason that the raw materials have to be made into soap.