HC Deb 02 February 1943 vol 386 c727
11. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the administrative difficulties peculiar to the institution of a household ration book for the replacement of purely household requirements which do not apply to other types of ration books periodically issued?

Mr. Dalton

My hon. and gallant Friend's proposal would require the preparation of a different household ration book for each size of household, and its withdrawal and replacement Whenever the number of persons in the household changed. Further, the needs for rationed household requisites vary very widely even as between different households of the same size, and my hon. and gallant Friend's proposal would make it impossible for members of the household to choose, as they are now able to do, between fewer towels and more clothes on the one hand and more towels and fewer clothes on the other.

Sir T. Moore

While admitting my right hon. Friend's conclusions, is there any way by which the coupons, say, of the daughter, who wants to spend them on gay and possibly unnecessary clothing, could be handed over to the mother, who wants to replace proper requirements of the household?

Mr. Dalton

Mutual arrangements are always possible.