§ Sir I. Alberyasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the delay in issuing priority dockets for utility furniture to persons who have been bombed out, due to different circulating applications through offices of the Assistance Board; and if he will consider entrusting the local officer of the Assistance Board with authority to issue the necessary priority dockets when cash payments are made to replace essential furniture, etc.
§ Captain WaterhouseYes, Sir. I regret that delays have occurred on occasions. Pressure of work arising from enemy action in the London area has made it necessary to transfer elsewhere some applications normally dealt with in London, and some consequent delay was unavoidable. The London Office of the Assistance Board has now been reopened and applications are being dealt with more promptly, but staff shortages prevent the handling of applications locally.