HC Deb 30 March 1943 vol 388 cc25-6
39. Mr. Evelyn Walkden

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the urgent need for further economies in the use of cloth for suitings, he will consider the wholesale manufacture of a boiler-suit type of garment that will protect good suits or promote extended wear of part-worn suits and encourage universal adoption of this style of dress by civilians?

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton)

Boiler suits and other types of overalls are already available at specially low coupon-rates and anyone can use them for the purpose suggested by my hon. Friend. It would not be wise, and might indeed seriously disorganise the clothing programme, to arrange for the production of boiler suits on a much larger scale, unless I was satisfied that this increased supply would be matched by the demand.

Mr. Walkden

Has not the right hon. Gentleman had representations from many organisations and local authorities suggesting some kind of boiler suit or protective garment for fire guards; would it not be better for persons who have good suits to have a battledress such as he himself spoke about; and would not they become popular in different parts of the country and worn with dignity by the average professional man and even by the wage earner?

Mr. Dalton

I will do what I can to increase production of the type of garment that my hon. Friend has in mind if I find there is an increased demand for it, but at this stage of the war we have to be very careful that any increase in clothing material for any one kind of garment is not at the expense of other kinds, and I must keep a balance.

41. Mr. John Dugdale

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements can be made for employees in industries included under Occupational Supplement Schedule, G.O.S. 10, to obtain extra coupons in order to purchase boiler suits and overalls?

Mr. Dalton

Workers included in the Schedule to which my hon. Friend refers are entitled to 10 extra coupons for the rationing period of 15 months ending 31st August. These coupons may be used for the purchase of industrial overalls and boiler suits which are available at specially low coupon rates.