HC Deb 01 February 1944 vol 396 cc1128-9
56. Mr. Vernon Bartlett

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the proportionate differences in the allocation of razor blades to civilians and to men in the Services; and whether he can hold out any hope of an increase in the allocation to civilians.

Mr. Dalton

On the average, a man in the Forces now gets about twice as many blades as a man in civil life. Production is strictly limited by the labour and material available. But I am glad to say that there has been some increase lately.

Mr. Bartlett

Would my right hon. Friend tell us why there must be this discrepancy; and is he aware that, if it goes on, he will be complicating your task, Mr. Speaker, because some of us will have to come to this House wearing large and bushy beards?

Mr. Dalton

Were my hon. Friend so to act, he would not incur the same penalties as if he were in the Forces.