HC Deb 25 June 1953 vol 516 c160W
60. Mr. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that, as the result of appeals made by various Ministers, large amounts of clothing were given to charitable and other organisations dealing with the floods; that much of this clothing is now being destroyed through not being properly stored; and whether he will have an investigation made into this matter.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I am informed that the Women's Voluntary Services have no evidence whatever that any of the clothing contributed for flood relief is being destroyed through not being properly stored. There is regular inspection of premises where unpacked parcels are stored and any signs of damage would be dealt with immediately. Unpacking is proceeding as quickly as possible, having regard to the limited number of volunteer helpers now available. Members of the Women's Voluntary Services are still working hard in the places where parcels remain to be opened, and teams come in daily from places further afield.