§ 48. Mr. Quintin Hoggasked the Minister of Production whether he will ensure that the allocation of cloth to the Service 660 Departments is sufficient to permit a limited issue of pyjamas to other ranks?
§ 49. Viscount Hinchingbrookeasked the Minister of Production whether he will increase the allocation of pyjama material to the trade in order that fuller provision may be made for non-commissioned ranks in the Army and R.A.F.?
§ Mr. LytteltonIn allocating material to the Services, I have to bear in mind the supplies needed by the civilian population, and I regret that I cannot see my way at the present time to increase the quantity of clothing allotted to the Services, who necessarily use an amount equivalent to a much greater number of coupons per man than can be allowed to civilians.
§ Mr. HoggHaving regard to the fact that people in the Services need outdoor clothes and pyjamas just the same as ordinary civilians, why should they be restricted in this respect?
§ Mr. LytteltonMy difficulty is that at a time when the level of civilian clothing is reduced to the bare minimum I could not justifiably say that pyjamas are a necessary weapon of war for the pursuit of victory, or, indeed, in the back areas for the pursuit of sleep.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonIf pyjamas are a symbol of social superiority, ought they not to be abolished in a democratic war?
§ Mr. LytteltonHowever that may be, I am sure my hon. Friend would not wish to make the device of the Ministry of Production bear the words Cedant arma pyjamae.