§ 14. Mr. Ralph Ethertonasked the President of the Board of Trade how 641 many clothing coupons are demanded from Civil Defence personnel on the original issue of uniform including battle-dress, overcoat and boots; what subsequent demands are made, either at regular or irregular intervals; and whether he is aware that in some areas, after coupons have been surrendered on an original issue of uniform, subsequent substantial demands are made for coupons including coupons not yet valid?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton)Full-time Civil Defence workers obtain their uniform, consisting of battledress, overcoat and boots, coupon-free, provided that they refund yearly to my Department, through their Local Authority, 18 coupons. The uniform itself is worth 43 coupons. Since the refund is made on an annual basis, irrespective of the dates on which the uniform is issued or replaced, wearers may use for this purpose any of the coupons in their current ration book, including those which will not become valid until later in the period.
§ Mr. EthertonCan my right hon. Friend say what is the position of part-time workers?
§ Mr. DaltonPart-time Civil Defence workers have not been required to refund any of their basic ration on the ground that they wear their uniform for such a small part of their working time that their advantage over non-uniform workers is negligible.
§ Mr. EthertonIn regard to the coupons which the Minister's Department is asking to be surrendered before their valid date, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is an unfortunate example to ask for coupons before their valid date?
§ Mr. DaltonNot at all. It is a great convenience for the workers concerned. As I explained, this uniform may be required for issue or replacement at any time during the year. The coupons in question do not pass between traders, but local authorities act as agents for the Board of Trade, and that is a matter for the convenience of the workers concerned.