§ 25. Major Lyonsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any clothing census is being undertaken by, or on behalf of, his Department; what is the total estimated cost thereof; whether any and what payments are to be made for the completion of forms by householders; what selected areas are covered; and by whom they are selected?
§ Sir A. DuncanInquiries are being made on behalf of the Board of Trade by certain market research organisations. Their object is to find out how the rationing of clothes is affecting the consumer, and in particular how clothing coupons are on the average being used. This information is required in order that we may detect and remedy possible shortages of essential goods at an early stage, and improve the rationing system in the light of experience. The cost of the surveys made and in progress is estimated at £8,000. As part of their inquiries the research organisations have set up a representative group of consumers, who are paid a token fee for their trouble, to provide reports on their use of coupons. The Research Bureaux spread their calls over the whole country in proportions which they judge to be representative of the structure of the population.
§ Major LyonsDoes the right hon. Gentleman really think it is necessary to have this inquisition and to pay the householder for filling up his form, and can he tell us the number of people employed on it and how long it will last?
§ Sir A. DuncanThat is very far from the position; it is a most valued survey and has already been of inestimable value to the Department in avoiding inequalities.
§ Major LyonsBut can the right hon. Gentleman say how long it will last?
§ Sir A. DuncanI could hot say that.
§ 28. Mr. Daggarasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the discontent existing amongst outdoor manual workers employed by local authorities in connection with the number of clothing coupons allotted them; and is he prepared, in view of such workmen's requirements, to increase the number of coupons to these men?
§ Sir A. DuncanI have no evidence to show that the employees of local authorities are at present suffering hardship, but the clothing needs of outdoor workers are under examination by the Board.
§ Mr. DaggarIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the enormous amount of clothes which are destroyed by such men, especially those engaged in digging trenches or in scavenging work, and does he not agree that some regard should be 992 had to the needs of the class of men to which I referred in my Question?
§ Sir A. DuncanRegard is had to those very facts, and the matter is being examined at the present time.
§ Mr. DaggarAm I to understand from that that consideration is being given to the requirements of these particular men?
§ Mr. ThorneYou look upon me as a good workman. Am I compelled to give coupons for a new pair of braces?
§ 29. Sir Lindsay Everardasked the President to the Board of Trade whether extra coupons for the purchase of physical training and outdoor sports clothing and footwear will be granted to members of the Air Training Corps, as they have already been granted to members of the Association of Boys' Clubs?
§ Sir A. DuncanThis matter is under consideration.
§ Sir L. EverardDoes such a matter need any consideration, and should not boys who are serving their country be put on exactly the same footing as those who belong to boys' clubs?
§ Sir A. DuncanIt is a question of spreading in the best possible way supplies that are really very limited.
§ Mr. John DugdaleCould the position of despatch riders be considered at the same time?
§ 26. Sir Granville Gibson forasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the provision permitting retailers to exchange 490 coupons for vouchers entitling them to supplies to the value of 500 coupons is felt as a grave injustice by small traders who are unable to acquire the requisite number of coupons within the prescribed period; whether he will amend the system so that vouchers to the value of 100 coupons may be obtainable in exchange for 98 coupons; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the quotas allotted to suppliers shall be distributed fairly between large and small buyers?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)No, Sir. My hon. Friend's proposal would not materially add to the economy achieved by the present arrangement and would throw a great deal of extra work 993 on the staff of the Post Office, who are already carrying a very heavy burden in the issue of the 500-coupon vouchers. As regards the last part of the Question, the distribution of rationed goods is determined by the flow of coupons and not by quota control. There is reason to think that rationing has improved the position of the small trader in this respect.
§ Sir G. GibsonHas my hon. and gallant Friend considered any alternative scheme to the giving of coupons, which is absorbing thousands of young women of military service age in this country today; and is he also aware of the fact that I myself know of one office where eight girls are available for National Service spending their time counting coupons and nothing else?
§ Captain WaterhouseVarious schemes are under consideration.