§ 21. Mr. Douglasasked the President of the Board of Trade when, and under what conditions, it is proposed to resume the issue of clothing coupons in place of those accidentally lost or destroyed?
§ Mr. DaltonApplication for the replacement of lost or destroyed clothing coupons should at present be made direct to the Board of Trade. On and after 21st September, application forms will be available at any Money Order Post Office, Citizen's Advice Bureau or Women's Voluntary Service Centre. Replacement of coupons imposes, in most cases, an additional strain on the limited clothing supplies available. Coupons will only be replaced, therefore, where loss is due to causes outside the owner's control, such as enemy action or burglary, or where exceptional need for clothing is proved.
§ Mr. Orr-EwingWill my right hon. Friend reconsider that proposal in view of the long delays which must ensue owing to inquiries between the Board of 14 Trade and local authorities to see whether the statements made by applicants are true?
§ Mr. DaltonI have done all I can to speed up the procedure, and I shall be glad to do anything further to that end, but we have had a number of claims for lost coupons which are fraudulent, and we must guard the clothing supplies of the country.
§ Mr. R. C. MorrisonIs my right hon. Friend aware that people whose coupons have been stolen through no fault of their own wrote to the Board of Trade weeks ago and cannot get any reply?
§ Mr. DaltonWe have had a large number of claims, and not all of them are, I am afraid, genuine on investigation, but if my hon. Friend will mention any cases to me I will do my utmost to speed them up.