HC Deb 19 November 1946 vol 430 cc71-2W
97. Mr. Bossom

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take household towels off the clothes ration and allow some of the large stocks of priority sheets and blankets to be sold without dockets, to avoid unnecessary hardship to poorer families during the coming winter.

Mr. Belcher

No, Sir. It is necessary to retain control in order to ensure fair distribution so long as supplies are scarce. The proportion of sheets and blankets reserved against dockets is subject to constant review, and I can assure the hon. Member that the system will not be retained longer than is necessary to provide for the minimum needs of the priority classes.