§ Mr. Hewlettasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will confer with the different Service Departments in 393W order to avoid the serious mistakes in the last war of eventually throwing on the market filthy and harmful camp and hospital mattresses, pillows and blankets, etc., which are mostly used without proper cleansing treatment, for the manufacture of new bedding and furniture.
§ Captain WaterhouseArrangements have been made with the Ministry of Supply that used mattresses, pillows and blankets in Government ownership shall not be put on the market except after proper cleaning, and that dirty filling materials from Government stores will not be released for use in the manufacture of bedding or furniture.
§ Mr. Hewlettasked the Minister of Health (1) if he is aware that this country is considerably behind other countries in the standard of cleanliness required for the filling of bedding and upholstery and that British importers are being offered objectionable materials which those making the offer would not dare to use in their own countries; and whether he will take steps to prevent all such importations, even though their use is legal here;
(2) if he is satisfied that in all cases the rag flock used to stuff children's toys is properly cleansed and free from disease.
§ Mr. WillinkThe need for a comprehensive review of this subject led in 1938 to the appointment of a Departmental Commitee. The sittings of this Committee, as of other Committees, were suspended at the outbreak of war; but in view of the importance of the subject arrangements are now being made for the Committee to resume its work.