Embarrass to mention, but anyway, here goes. We have some old copies of the Sun & Daily Mail. These along with a nail, a loop of string and a pair of scissors may keep us healthy. Feel free to pass this advice on to your sister Jock. It stood many of us in good stead during the very austere forties. Far less eye watering than Izal.
I've heard of various loo paper substitutes and newspaper always comes up as a favourite. - My mum used to talk of it's use in the war. I've never had to use it but have always wondered as to the "fastness" of the ink? Have to admit to using disposable floor wipes on one occasion when there was no other option, didn't seem to cause any problems.
I've been quite an "outdoor" type most of my life and have found large dock leaves to work quite well in an emergency. This makes quite interesting reading:
https://climbtallpeaks.com/what-leaves-can-you-use-as-toilet-paper/ They mention poison ivy - hey, anyone remember The Coasters rendition of Poison Ivy? - Luckily something we don't have to worry about over here as far as I know but it's very nasty stuff. I fell foul of it down on Cape Cod where it grew at the side of the path down to the beach. Can't imagine what it would be like to use it as loo paper substitute - OUCH! would be a mild sentiment to express.
Oh yes, Izal! I'd forgotten that stuff. hard, sharp edges, and when crinkled very "prickly". The polished nature of the paper guaranteed a complete lack of ability to absorb anything. It was standard issue in both of the schools I was incarcerated in.
I was a bit surprised at my sister's revelation regarding availability over there. Ours seemed to recover very quickly once they started rationing although I found the rationing regime quite interesting in that it applied to packs. So, you could buy 3 packs max. But, because it applied to "packs" you could buy 3 packs of 3 roll or 3 packs of 9 rolls or even 3 packs of 24 rolls. somewhat defies logic?
Just to finish, I've decided to admit (perhaps unwisely) that when we managed to resupply with loo roll (we'd got down to our last 2 rolls and couldn't find any - then found the packs of 24 being sold in Aldi, just as supplies resumed, so bought one) I started a "loo roll monitoring log" - piece of paper on which the day and date is recorded every time a new roll is installed. Yes, I know, really sad isn't it? However the result is really interesting (well, it's something to do during lock down isn't it?). There's just Mrs J and I in the house, observing lock down rules. We have a downstairs and upstairs loo and both rolls are lasting roughly 6 days between renewal. I previously never bothered to think about how much loo roll we used. Wonder which of us uses the most? I can probably guess the answer to that but I don't think I'll seek confirmation!
Kindest regards to you all and stay safe
Jock