Mr. Scott-Elliot:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether additional supplies of linen will be made available to those hotels which specialise in catering for overseas visitors.

The British Tourist and Holidays Board announced on 8th July a scheme for the distribution of an allocation of single linen sheets to hotels and similar establishments catering for tran- sient visitors. Supplies are limited and preference will therefore be given to establishments of special importance to overseas visitors and those whose equipment suffered as a direct result of the war, e.g. from enemy action, requisitioning, billeting, etc. Pillow-cases, bolster-cases and table linen are not rationed, and no special arrangements are being made for their supply to hotels.

Mr. Scott-Elliot:

Is my right hon. and learned Friend satisfied that the countless visitors to this country will be properly looked after?

We are doing the best we can for them in difficult circumstances.

Will the President of the Board of Trade bear in mind that household linen is urgently needed by other similar establishments which provide much-needed holidays and recreation for the citizens of our own country?

That is being borne in mind, as is the fact that linen is also required for domestic use.