asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that in the Taunton area there is an extreme shortage of white and carbolic soap for cleaning and washing, but that toilet soap is more easily obtainable; and if he will take steps to remove this inequality, so that housewives can use their soap coupons to better advantage.

I have asked manufacturers to increase the proportionate output of hard soap, but their difficulty is that they have not yet caught up with the production lost during the fuel crises. I believe they will be able to do so now, so that there should be a gradual improvement in deliveries to the shops.

Is the Minister aware that some manufacturers of toilet soap are making offers to retailers who have no entitlement, and is there not some connection between that fact and the present shortage of white and carbolic soap?

I should be grateful It my hon. Friend will give me examples of that.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the general shortage of soap flakes and soap powder in this regard, and will he look into that matter at the same time?

I will look into that point.

Would my right hon. Friend also make some provision for those who have not been able to get their ration during the current period?

We did, in past periods, extend the availability of the ration documents to the following period in order to meet those cases.