§ 41. Mr. Molsonasked the President of the Board of Trade for what purposes clothing coupons are issued to members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, who receive a full free issue of all necessary clothing, when none are issued to serving soldiers; and whether they can be used for the purchase of civilian clothing?
§ Mr. DaltonThe 10 clothing coupons issued annually to non-commissioned members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service are intended for the normal replacement of handkerchiefs, dressing-gowns and slippers, which do not form part of the Service issue of clothing. Although non-commissioned ranks in the Army receive no coupons, they can obtain handkerchiefs without coupons on presenting a chit from their commanding officer.
§ Mr. MolsonAre the coupons intended also to be used for civilian clothing for use on leave?
§ Mr. DaltonThey are intended to be used for the purpose I have stated in my answer. This question has been the sub- 1068 ject of discussions between my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War and me, and it was the view of the War Office that this is an essential requirement of the A.T.S.
§ Mr. MolsonThat being the case, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ensure that these coupons are used for that purpose and not for other purposes?
§ Mr. DaltonThat would be administratively very difficult.