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Clothes Rationing

Volume 389: debated on Tuesday 18 May 1943

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39.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the number of coupons at present issued to persons whose clothing has been destroyed by enemy action is sufficient to enable such persons to obtain one suit of clothes only; and whether he will give instructions that a sufficient number of coupons be issued to enable such persons to obtain two suits of clothes?

Sufficient coupons are already issued to enable persons, whose clothing has been destroyed by enemy action, to bring their stock of clothing up to a standard which provides for at least two suits.

40.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the reduction of the number of clothing coupons, he will consider the possibility of reducing the number of coupons which have to be surrendered for the purchase of women's stockings?

No decision has yet been taken regarding the number of clothing coupons to be made available in the next rationing period.

In fixing the ration in future, would the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that people are being asked to surrender for stockings more coupons than they can possibly afford?

I am giving most careful consideration, and will continue to do so, to the questions of the basic ration in the next period, the various supplementary rations and the pointing of different garments. I would like to assure the hon. Gentleman that a great deal of thought and trouble is being put into this question of stockings. No lady is satisfied with them, as I know, and I am doing my best with expert advice, both male and female, to improve the quality. That, I think, is a better solution of the problem than altering the number of coupons.

Will my right hon. Friend take into consideration the advisability of exempting clothing for deceased persons from the application of the coupon order, in view of the great hardship which is placed upon relatives in having to provide clothing for shrouds and the like?

That is a different question from the one on the Paper, but I should be glad to have a word with my hon. Friend about it.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that many women are not wearing stockings at all now?

No doubt that is due to the weather. There may have been a particular temptation to go without last weekend.