asked the Secretary of State for War why no washing soap is issued to soldiers in the B.L.A.; and whether such an issue will be made along with the issue of toilet soap.

Sir J. Griģģ:

A soldier's underclothing is normally washed for him. If he has to wash it himself instructions issued by 21 Army Group provide that he should be given two ounces of soap a week.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that complaints have reached me, and, I am sure, other hon. Members, that washing soap is not distributed at the rate of anything like one tablet a week, but rather at the rate of about one tablet in eight weeks? Can he not give instructions that soap shall be issued more frequently?

Sir J. Griģģ:

Field-Marshal Montgomery has given instructions, and there is no need for me to double the instructions.