§ 5. Mr. Burkeasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make an allocation of clothing coupons to hospital nurses for the renewal of uniforms.
§ Mr. DaltonHospital nurses are entitled to an initial outfit of uniform worth 94 coupons, and to annual replacements thereafter worth 28 coupons. In return, they are required to give up six coupons a year out of their basic ration. This, as my hon. Friend will recognise, is equivalent to a substantial allocation of clothing coupons.
§ Mr. BurkeIs my right hon. Friend aware that, because of the need for absolute cleanliness, nurses have to keep considerable stocks in reserve, and, in addition to uniform, have to wear black stockings and shoes, which are, normally, not regarded as suitable for outside wear; and, in view of the arduous nature and the value of their work, will he look into the question again?
§ Mr. DaltonI am anxious to do all I can to help the nurses. With regard to stockings, if my hon. Friend will put down a question to me in a fortnight's time, I may be able to add something. I am looking into this particular matter carefully, but I do not think that, even now, nurses are ungenerously treated.
§ Mr. LeachWill my right hon. Friend consider the allocation of further coupons to Cabinet Ministers, some of whom are looking rather shabby nowadays?
§ Mr. DaltonI always try to set a good example.