HC Deb 30 November 1943 vol 395 c207
72. Mr. Kendall

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider arranging a separate coupon system for household linen, as family supplies after four years of war are in a ragged and depleted condition, and it is a hardship for people to have to give up clothing coupons for these necessities?

Mr. Dalton

The only essential household goods subject to coupon are towels and tea-cloths. As I have explained in answer to previous Questions on this subject, a separate household ration is out of the question, owing to the serious administrative difficulties it would involve and also to the limited supplies of rationed goods available.

Mr. Kendall

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider issuing certificates of need on similar lines to those issued to people for utility furniture?

Mr. Dalton

I think it would be going rather far to set up a new piece of administrative machinery simply for this purpose.

Mr. William Brown

Is it not clear that the problem is particularly difficult in households which afford billets to war workers? Could not relief be given when large-scale billeting is practised?

Mr. Dalton

No housewife ought to let a billetee impose upon her. If more towels are required, the billetee ought to produce a coupon or two.