§ 10. Sir Dymoke Whiteasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that military grey socks on sale to farm workers in Norfolk are, at least, four inches too short in the leg; that they work down into the boots and cause great discomfort to the wearers; and will he endeavour to rectify the matter?
§ Mr. DaltonI am not sure what socks my hon. Friend has in mind. If they are military socks, their length is determined by Service specifications. All socks made for the civilian market must conform to the restrictions on length imposed in November, 1942, in order to save wool. I regret that, in view of the present stringency of supplies, I cannot see my way to relax these restrictions.
§ Sir D. WhiteWould the President of the Board of Trade agree to wear a pair of these socks over the week-end when he is doing land work, as it would perhaps make him more sympathetic?
§ Mr. DaltonI should be very glad to make the experiment.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill my right hon. Friend give coupons for them?
§ Mr. DaltonYes, Sir.
§ 13. Mr. Higgsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is his intention to issue supplementary clothing 1362 coupons for agricultural workers in the near future?
§ Mr. DaltonAgricultural workers have already received r o supplementary coupons for the present rationing period. I shall shortly be discussing with the Trades Union Congress and representatives of the employers the question of occupational supplements for the next period, which begins on 1st September.
§ Sir Joseph LambMay we be assured that people who are being asked to come and help on farms will not find difficulty sufficient to prevent their coming by not having coupons to get the necessary clothing?
§ Mr. DaltonWe will do our best to divide the supplies among the various workers.
§ Mrs. HardieWill my right hon. Friend consider reducing the number of coupons required for certain classes of goods?
§ Mr. DaltonYes, Sir, we will consider that suggestion.