§ 34. Mr. Ralph Asshetonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to promoting the use of textile goods, he will make representations to the Railway Executive to replace paper towels and napkins in railway trains by textile goods.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftNo, Sir. I have made inquiries and understand that the continued use of paper towels and napkins on the railways is a more economical proposition for a number of reasons than the use of textiles.
§ Mr. AsshetonIf by chance the economic reasons are that passengers are rather apt to misappropriate the towels—no doubt inadvertently—would my right hon. Friend suggest that the same method of supplying the towels which we have in this House could be instituted on the railways?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI have no doubt that the Railway Executive will take note of the suggestion of my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodWill the right hon. Gentleman also pass on that suggestion to the Minister of Works, in view of the fact that a circular has gone round some Government Departments saying that when the present cloth towels are used up paper towels will be substituted?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI will certainly look at that.