§ Lieut.-Colonel N. Birchasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any help will be given to proprietors of derequisitioned hotels and boarding houses in obtaining the necessary supplies of linen, furniture, etc., to enable them to start business again.
§ Commander Maitlandasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Skegness and other coastal resorts are largely dependent for their livelihood on catering for the spring and early summer holiday trade; and whether, in view of this fact, he will reconsider his decision not to give priority facilities for obtaining curtains, bed-linen, towels, and similar equipment to the proprietors of boarding houses and hotels in such districts.
§ Sir S. CrippsYes, Sir. We are working out plans for dealing with this matter, but the hon. and gallant Members will understand that, with supplies so short, it will for the present be possible to consider only the minimum needs of establishments having priority claims.