§ 38. Mr. John Wilmotasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that workmen engaged upon galvanising must wear rubber boots and have protective clothing; and whether he will make arrangements, with suitable safeguards, for such clothing to be obtained by the men or their employers free of coupon?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)Discussions on the long-term needs of industrial workers for additional clothing are proceeding. In the meantime, industrial concerns, including mines and quarries, can obtain coupon-free supplies of essential protective clothing for the use of their employees by obtaining a certificate from one of His Majesty's inspectors of factories or mines stating that the garments are necessary for the safety and health of the wearer.
§ Mr. WilmotWhile thanking the Minister for his Reply, might I ask whether it applies to the kind of clothing mentioned in the Question?
§ Captain WaterhouseI think it undoubtedly would, as these matters of detail are for the factory inspectors.
§ 39. Sir L. Lyleasked the President of the Board of Trade why detached coupons for clothes can be sent through the post yet it is illegal to carry a detached coupon with which to make a purchase; and whether he will consider modifying 1394 the law in the latter respect to enable a person to carry a detached coupon or two for emergencies?
§ Captain WaterhouseThe use of loose coupons for retail transactions would facilitate illegal trafficking in coupons and so tend to defeat the purpose of the rationing scheme. It is, however, undesirable to have clothing cards transmitted through the post, and accordingly the sending of loose coupons (signed on the back) with orders placed by post is allowed. This facility cannot be extended as suggested by my hon. Friend.