HC Deb 02 May 1944 vol 399 c1177
16. Mr. Harry Thorneycroft

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the interests of public health and hygiene, he is now prepared to concede the industrial -10 coupons to hairdressers so as to enable them to purchase saloon clothing.

Mr. Dalton

No, Sir. I regret that, in view of the very limited supplies available, I cannot at present see my way to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mr. Thorneycroft

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that his advisers are correctly informed with reference to conditions; and will he, on the next occasion he visits his hairdresser, which I know is not very frequent, undergo the operation without the protection of a gown and then probably he will appreciate the necessity of protective clothing?

Mr. Dalton

My hair is just as thick round the neck as that of my hon. Friend, but we are, of course, very anxious to make what arrangements we can for the benefit of hairdressers. They get utility overalls for three coupons but the plain fact is that, in this and many other directions, supplies are very short indeed and will so continue until the war has moved forward. The Services have to come first and the civilians second.