§ 72. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements are being made within the new scheme for rationing to cover the cases of workers who, because of the nature of their employment, wear out their boots and clothing much quicker than others and for persons bombed out of their homes whose clothes are destroyed; and what are those arrangements?
§ Captain WaterhouseManual workers receive the same number of clothing coupons as other members of the community, but their special needs are recognised in the exemption from coupons of certain types of clothing and the reduced number of coupons required for other types. My right hon. Friend is further investigating the question of special needs. Arrangements have been made with the Assistance Board and the Board of Customs and Excise to issue clothing coupons so as to permit bombed persons to replace their essential requirements without cutting into their ordinary ration.
§ Mr. R. J. TaylorIn view of the peculiar nature of miners' work, will they have special consideration with regard to their clothing?
§ Captain WaterhouseThe hon. Gentleman will realise that there are a great many details that have to be gone into. They are being sympathetically investigated, but I cannot give any specific assurance in that direction.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesWill the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind that one pair of boots a year for a coal miner, steel smelter or quarry man is impossible?
§ Captain WaterhouseYes, Sir.
§ Mr. ThorneWill the same number of coupons have to be given up for a suit of the value of £7 as for one of the value of £4?
§ Captain WaterhouseYes, Sir.