§ 66. Sir G. Gibsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether a coupon officer and assistant coupon officer have been appointed to work the coupon scheme for fuel rationing, and if offices have already been taken in Lambeth for working this scheme; and the date on which these appointments were made and the offices taken?
§ Mr. DaltonAs is indicated in the White Paper on coal, the Government consider it essential to make preparations for the introduction of fuel rationing at short notice, if that should prove necessary. The small headquarters staff engaged in this work since April is, therefore, proceeding with it, and will shortly move to offices previously earmarked by the Ministry of Works and Buildings.
§ Sir G. GibsonIs it not somewhat irregular that expenditure should be incurred in taking over premises and appointing officials before the scheme is passed by this House?
§ Mr. DaltonNo, Sir, it is not at all irregular.
§ Mr. A. HopkinsonDo we understand that, whether the coupons are used or not, the jobs are to go on?
§ Mr. DaltonI have stated the position in my answer.
§ 69. Sir J. Mellorasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will define the boundaries between the North of England and the Midlands, and between the Midlands and the South of England, for the purposes of the Fuel Rationing Scheme contained in the Annex to Command Paper 6364?
§ Mr. DaltonThese boundaries will be published in due course.