§ 74. Mr. John Dugdaleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why policemen have to give up 24 coupons each year for uniform whether such uniform is actually purchased or not?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Miss Wilkinson)Policemen are required to surrender 18 coupons each year. This surrender represents the saving on civilian clothing, and is not, therefore, related to the actual issues of uniform during the year.
§ Mr. DugdaleIs the hon. Lady aware that this causes very great dissatisfaction in the Services? How would she like it if she had to give up 18 or 24 coupons for a dress she did not purchase, and was consequently deprived of the opportunity of purchasing stockings which she wanted to purchase?
§ Miss WilkinsonI am still in the happy position of having all my clothing coupons. But in this particular case an arrangement has been made, by which an average is worked out; and that is to the advantage of the police. If they are not satisfied, they have to have their own organisation, through which they can make recommendations.