HC Deb 05 October 1939 vol 351 cc2066-7
25. Mr. Duncan

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the increase of unemployment of 18,896 persons in the dressmaking and millinery trades, compared with last August, and the fact that most of this increased unemployment is in London, he will take steps to broadcast the desirability of the women of this country, and particularly of London, continuing to buy clothes, hats, etc., as far as possible, as usual?

Mr. E. Brown

The outbreak of war and evacuation of a large part of the civilian population of London have inevitably affected employment in various trades in the Metropolis, including dressmaking and millinery. I should agree with my hon. Friend in deprecating any unnecessary curtailment of the purchases of the articles he mentioned.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the great difficulty of these small businesses is that they are unable to obtain the materials required?

Mr. Brown

I do not think that that is the point of the question. It is the demand that it is in question, and that must be left to the ladies concerned and their discerning male friends.

Miss Rathbone

Is it not desirable to refrain from issuing any regulations that will encourage luxury expenditure, and should not money be given to encourage increased purchases by the poor and the refugees?

Mr. Brown

I would not agree that all hats and clothes are luxuries.

Miss Wilkinson

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the unemployed woman such an allowance that at least once a year she can buy a new hat?

Mr. Brown

I am always glad when it is possible to do what we have done several times and increase the allowances.

Mrs. Adamson

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the soldier's wife will be able to buy many new frocks on her inadequate allowance?

Mr. Brown

The soldier's wife is a very remarkable woman.

Dr. Edith Summerskill

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that during this war the role of the woman is simply to be the recreation of the tired warrior?

Mr. Brown

I do not know whether the hon. Lady would consider this a proper answer, but I would say that one of the greatest strains of the war is to be borne by the soldier's wife.