23. Mrs. Adamsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet in a position to state what the clothing ration will be after the 1st August.
§ Mr. DaltonYes, Sir. As the House will realise, there can be no question at the present critical stage of the war of diverting labour and materials from the direct war effort, including the clothing and equipment of the Armed Forces, in order to increase the production of civilian clothing. But after a close study of prospective supplies, I have decided that it will be possible to maintain the basic ration at the present rate of four coupons a month for a further six months, that is from 1st August to 1st February, 1945. Twenty-four coupons in the new clothing book will, therefore, be valid as from 1st August. I am glad to say that I am able to continue in the next rationing period all the present supplements for children and also the present industrial supplements. All the clothing coupons in the current 1943–44 book and the 1942–43 book will remain valid.
Mrs. AdamsonWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask if he will consider a revision in the interests of children, because mothers are having a terrible struggle to make the ration do?
§ Mr. DaltonIt would give me very great pleasure if I could see my way to use more supplies, when they come along, to give increased allowances but at the present moment we must make do with what we have.
Captain DuncanHas my right hon. Friend seen a report in the Press of the statement by Mr. Donald Nelson that in America they are making arrangements for increased supplies to civilians? Will he see that England is not behind America in this?
§ Mr. DaltonPerhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will send me the report, or give me the reference, as I have not noticed it.