§ 63. Mr. Dribergasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the number of clothing coupons allowed to be retained by policemen, for the purchase of civilian clothing, underclothing, socks and household linen, is now approximately 33 for a period of 12 months; and if he will consider reducing the number of coupons which the police are required to surrender.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)No, Sir. The number of coupons which 776 policemen refund annually for uniform is no more than is spent by the average sedentary worker on comparable working garments. The number of coupons remaining for other purposes is therefore the same for both.
§ Mr. DribergIs the hon. Gentleman really suggesting that policemen, especially in rural areas, who have to cycle on an average 3o to 40 miles a day in the course of their duties, are sedentary workers?
§ Captain WaterhouseCertainly not, but in so far as they are not sedentary they are the more fortunate under this arrangement.