§ 16. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the President of the Board of Trade on what grounds proof of need is demanded from persons applying for replacement of lost clothing coupons.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Dalton)No proof of need is required when coupons are lost owing to circumstances entirely outside the loser's control, such as burglary, fire or bombing. But supplies are too short to permit replacement of coupons lost in other cases, unless the loser would otherwise suffer real hardship.
§ Mr. EdwardsI appreciate that one has to be careful with coupons, but they belong to the owner by right; is the Minister within his rights, therefore, in depriving people of essential commodities?
§ Mr. DaltonUnfortunately, coupons which are lost are still in circulation in many cases, and to replace coupons lost or alleged to be lost would encourage claims for losses and create intolerable coupon inflation.
17. Dr. Russell Thomasasked the President of the Board of Trade the date of expiration of the clothing coupons available before 1st February, 1944.
§ Mr. DaltonI have no intention at present of fixing any date of expiration for any clothing coupons issued after the first rationing period, 1941–42.
Dr. ThomasAs the Minister says that he has no intention at present of fixing a date of expiration can we take it that the coupons will last indefinitely, because many people are saving them for a much 1691 needed new suit in future and it would be hard lines if they found their coupons were out of date?
§ Mr. DaltonIt is my desire that the public should postpone, as far as is reasonably possible, the use of their coupons, and, therefore, I have no incentive to cancel them.
§ Mr. DaltonNo, Sir.