§ 6. Mr. Daggarasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulty experienced by mine-workers in the purchase of alarm clocks, upon which they rely in the mornings; and, in view of the importance of absenteeism regarding the production of coal, whether he will take action to provide a supply of these clocks in mining areas?
§ Mr. DaltonAs I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Everton (Mr. Kirby) on 19th January last, before the war nearly all our alarm clocks were imported. I am glad to say that arrangements have now been made, with the aid 468 of my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister Resident in Washington for Supply, for limited supplies to be imported from North America. I am considering, in consultation with other Departments concerned and also with the Trades Union Congress, the best methods of distribution.
§ Mr. R. J. TaylorWill regard be had in the distribution of these clocks to industries where men start work at one or two o'clock in the morning?
§ Mr. DaltonYes, Sir, it is quite clear that in some industries the need is greater than in others. It is in order to get the best distribution of supplies that I am having these consultations.
§ Sir Granville GibsonHave any supplies reached this country? Some months ago the right hon. Gentleman said that arrangements had then been made for imports of such clocks.
§ Mr. DaltonA first instalment of some 10,000 United States clocks is now on the way.
Mr. MurrayIs my right hon. Friend aware that in many of these districts where the old-fashioned idea of the caller-up is not in existence at present, that makes the demand for alarm clocks greater?
§ Mr. DaltonYes, Sir, I appreciate that.