HC Deb 25 November 1941 vol 376 cc594-5
37. Mr. Hannah

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider allowing extra clothing coupons to children of 11 years of age and upwards commencing work at secondary schools?

Sir A. Duncan

I am satisfied that the general ration of coupons should suffice, bearing in mind that the reduced coupon-values applicable to children's garments allow them to buy at least 50 per cent. more garments than adults. It is very desirable that schools should not insist on new pupils buying uniform outfits which render useless the clothes already in their possession.

Mr. Hannah

Is not the uniform of great value in eliminating any differences between rich and poor children in secondary schools?

Sir A. Duncan

Equal shares are of the same value, and if uniforms cut across the equal shares principle, they must give way in war-time.

40. Miss Ward

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will reconsider his decision to give no coupons for the purchase of civilian clothing to members of the women's services?

Sir A. Duncan

No, Sir. Civilians have to find all their needs out of 66 coupons and have little chance of securing any but essential everyday clothing. It is only fair that members of the Services whose everyday clothing is uniform should not have coupons or sign bills for civilian clothing in addition to that which they already possess.

Miss Ward

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is ever likely to have a heart about the girls in the Services?

41. Mr. Culverwell

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue coupons to enable persons to replace articles of clothing which have been lost in laundries or otherwise through no fault of the owner?

Sir A. Duncan

No, Sir. The supply position does not permit replacement simply because a garment is lost, but where in consequence of such loss the owner lacks essential garments he may apply for coupons to restore him to a reasonable level of dress.

Mr. Culverwell

What is my right hon. Friend's definition of essential garments? Is he aware that clothes lost through enemy action are replaced or coupons are given to replace them, and surely he can do that in the case of clothing lost in laundries?

Sir A. Duncan

The principle followed is precisely the same in both cases.