§ 16. Mr. Banfieldasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the importance of the Church Lads Brigade in the training of youth, reconsideration can be given to the question of a permit enabling the uniform of this long-established organisation to be continued?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton)Members of the Church Lads Brigade can get uniforms provided they give up coupons for them. I regret that, in view of the supply situation, I am unable to provide for these to be obtained coupon free.
§ Mr. BanfieldWould my right hon. Friend look into this matter with a view to assisting this organisation in the new rationing period?
§ Mr. DaltonI will do anything I can to help them, but I cannot undertake to let them have their uniforms coupon-free. Apart from that, I shall be very glad to discuss the matter with my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. MesserWould it not be inconsistent to let this organisation have uniform coupon-free when nurses' uniform is not coupon-free?
§ Mr. DenvilleCould they be allowed to have armlets coupon-free? Surely that is enough uniform during the war.
18. Mrs. Wrightasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will authorise the Red Cross to purchase rubber boots on behalf of relatives of prisoners of war for despatch to those prisoners known to be engaged on work requiring such footwear?
§ Mr. DaltonNo. Sir. I regret that the extreme shortage of rubber makes it impossible for me to grant such facilities.
§ 21. Major C. S. Taylorasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is necessary to surrender clothing coupons for certain surgical appliances which are prescribed by a recognised member of the medical profession?
§ Mr. DaltonMost surgical appliances are coupon-free, being either outside the scope of the Consumer Rationing Order or specifically exempted from its operation.
§ Major TaylorDoes my right hon. Friend appreciate that I had in mind the case of somebody who has a strained back, and for whom a belt is prescribed by a doctor? Have coupons to be surrendered in a case like that?
§ Mr. DaltonMy hon. and gallant Friend did not tell me what particular case he had in mind. If he will take it up with me, I shall be glad to go into the matter.