HC Deb 26 November 1945 vol 416 cc1031-2W
Sir J. Lucas

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that persons who have married during the war and are living with friends or relatives can get no bed linen unless they get houses of their own; and what action such persons are to take in view of the impossibility in most cases of getting houses.

Sir S. Cripps

Married couples occupying furnished rooms in the houses of relatives or others who cannot provide them with bed linen are eligible for priority dockets. Dockets cannot be given, however, in cases where they can, for the time being, have the use of bed linen belonging to the household.

Flying-Officer Bowden

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will instruct the Assistance Board to give greater consideration and deal more generously with applicants for blankets and sheets, particularly where there is a growing family of children.

Sir S. Cripps

Parents who have to provide an extra bed for a growing child are eligible for priority dockets for bedding, if they cannot otherwise equip the extra bed. Until supplies improve, more people cannot be brought into the priority scheme; nor can exceptional help be given to those who already qualify for dockets, though I am always prepared to look into cases of exceptional hardship.