§ 68. Mr. Glenvil Hallasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of individuals employed in the clothes rationing department set up by his Ministry, both in London and in a town on the South Coast; the previous occupations of those filling the principal posts; and the salaries they are now receiving?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)As the answer contains a tabular statement, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. HallIs there no one at this time on the South Coast with any knowledge of business management? I gather that when letters are written no replies are received, and in one case a letter was written three or four weeks ago and no answer has been received.
§ Captain WaterhouseIf the hon. Member will bring any such cases to my notice, I will certainly investigate them.
§ Following is the statement:
§ About 240 persons are at present wholly engaged on the administration of the clothing rationing scheme, of whom 33 are volunteers assisting the Department during the Initial stage. There are 15 officers occupying senior posts, and the required particulars are as follows: —
| Previous Occupation. | Salary. | |
| 3 Established Civil Servants | 1 Assistant Secretary and 2 Principals on Civil Service Scales | |
| 1 Retired Civil Servant | Appropriate salary on re-employment. | |
| 5 University Lecturers | } | Salaries within the range -£600-£800 per annum. |
| 1 Schoolmaster | ||
| 1 Journalist | ||
| 2 Publicity Managers | ||
| 1 Manager to a firm of Stockbrokers. | ||
| 1 Sales Manager |
§ In addition to the staff wholly engaged on the clothing rationing scheme a number of officers of the Department give part of their time to the work.
§ 70. Captain Cunningham-Reidasked the President of the Board of Trade 1358 whether his attention has been drawn to the hardship suffered by those who lost their clothes through enemy action before rationing began, and, through no fault of their own, had no compensation paid to them before this new Order came into force, and so had been unable to replace the lost clothes; and whether he will authorise the immediate issuing of extra coupons to people placed in such a position?
§ Captain WaterhouseAs stated in reply to the hon. Member for Peckham (Mr. Silkin) on 17th June, the arrangements whereby the Board of Customs and Excise and the Assistance Board may issue coupons to persons whose clothing has been destroyed cover these cases.
§ Mr. StephenCan the Parliamentary Secretary say whether any women were consulted before the clothes rationing scheme was introduced?
§ Captain WaterhouseBoth before and afterwards we have been in close touch with them on this matter.
§ Captain Cunningham-ReidWill the Minister be kind enough to say how many coupons are likely to be issued in the average case?
§ Captain WaterhouseEvery case must be dealt with on its own merits; there is no hard and fast rule laid down.
§ Mr. George GriffithsWas the hon. and gallant Member who asked this Question asked to give coupons for the lovely suit he is wearing?