§ 55. Mr. Tinkerasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulty of mineworkers in getting pit: drawers now that coupons have to be given for them; that, in some collieries, they have to be renewed every six to eight weeks; and will he consider making some provisions by which mineworkers can get them without coupons?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)As stated by my right hon. Friend in reply to Questions on 24th June, discussions are now proceeding about special occupational needs of this kind.
§ Sir J. LambCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman give any information as to when these discussions will be completed, because great hardship is being caused in many industries by delay in making known the result?
§ Captain WaterhouseI cannot say when the discussions will be completed, but I can say that they are being very actively carried on with both the T.U.C. and the miners' organisations.
§ Sir J. LambIn view of the tact that the discussions cannot be completed at once, will it be possible in some cases to give instructions for the articles to be supplied and a record kept of the transactions?
§ Captain WaterhouseI will take note of that request, but I do not think it will be possible.
§ 57. Sir William Davisonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any arrangements have been made with regard to the issuing of coupons to artistes requiring a supply of clothes for new theatrical productions?
§ Captain WaterhouseYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has invited the theatrical industry to set up a representative committee to consider all applications for coupons in connection with theatrical productions and to advise the Board of Trade as to the issues which should be made.
§ Sir W. DavisonIs this committee in operation, as the matter is one of considerable urgency?
§ Captain WaterhouseYes, the decision is now operative. The committee is being set up.