§ Mr. Hobsonasked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the failure of many retailers in the Kingsbury and North Wembley area to meet the soap allocation for December; and if he will take the necessary action to ensure adequate distribution in that part of Middlesex.
§ Mr. StracheyThe quantity of soap available in retail shops in many parts of the country recently has provided only a relatively small margin over the total required to meet the ration, and accordingly housewives may have had to try more than one shop before getting the kind they desire. I think this is probably the reason for the difficulties in the Kingsbury and North Wembley area. Manufacturers have been authorised to increase by 5 per cent. the quantity of soap they may distribute, and I hope this will ease the difficulties of retailers in securing the supplies they need.