§ 72. Mrs. Jean Mannasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is satisfied that the burghs of Coatbridge and Airdrie are receiving an adequate supply of utility sheets, towels, pillow slips and dish-towels.
§ Mr. BottomleyMy right hon. Friend has no reason to suppose that the supply position in these goods in Coatbridge and Airdrie is materially different from that in the rest of the country. He has, however, as recently announced, appointed a Committee under the Chairmanship of the Parliamentary Secretary to consider means of securing an early increased supply. I am sending to my hon. Friend a copy of the terms of reference and particulars of the membership of this Committee.
§ Mrs. MannCan my hon. Friend say whether this Committee will bring more utility sheets and towels to Coatbridge? Is he aware that the women of Coatbridge do not know to whom they can complain when there is a shortage of these necessities?
§ Mr. BottomleyI should have thought there would have been no doubt in respect of the latter part of the Question. With regard to the former, I cannot anticipate the findings of the Committee.
§ Mr. OsborneCan the hon. Gentleman say how housewives can expect an increase in utility supplies when the cost of cotton has gone up by 50 per cent. since devaluation?