HC Deb 10 November 1943 vol 393 cc1140-1
50. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Production whether he is aware that large quantities of Service dress caps, metal buttons and woven or metal badges are sold in shops to non-commissioned members of the Forces, despite such caps being normally unauthorised and despite plastic buttons and printed or plastic badges being free issues; whether he releases materials for the manufacture of these articles; and whether, in the interests of security and of economy of materials and labour, he will prohibit the sale of any non-commissioned clothing or equipment normally issued officially?

Mr. Lyttelton

No releases of material are made for this purpose, but no doubt there are stocks of the finished articles and the small quantities of material that are required for work of this kind are not impossible to obtain, for instance, from scrap. A prohibition of the sale of such goods would not be warranted as a means of saving the very small quantities of material that may be used.

Mr. Keeling

Would my right hon. Friend ask the Service Departments to investigate this wasteful duplication of equipment and also to examine the question of security?

Mr. Lyttelton

Yes, Sir, I will get into touch with my right hon. Friends.