§ 5. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the possibility of issuing to mothers, who are housewives, supplementary clothing coupons similar to those issued to industrial workers.
§ Mr. DaltonNo, Sir. I regret that, while supplies are so short, I cannot see my way to issue any further supplementary coupons.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these mothers use many of their coupons to help out their children's clothing?
§ Mr. DaltonYes, I am sure they do. We have always recognised the value of a family pool so far as coupons are concerned, but there is no purpose in my issuing more coupons unless there is an increase of supplies to meet increased issue, otherwise we should get shortages in the shops and further disappointments.
§ 11. Mr. Viantasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, during the period of 23rd October to 28th October, two ladies, stating that they were acting on behalf of his Department, were visiting housewives in West Willesden and demanding to see their clothing coupons, also demanding that information should be given as to the names of the traders with whom coupons had been exchanged for goods; and, in view of the resentment expressed by these housewives, will he explain the reasons for such procedure.
§ Mr. DaltonNo persons have been authorised by me to make such demands as those mentioned by my hon. Friend, and I think, therefore, that there must have been some misunderstanding. But if my hon. Friend will give me further particulars, I shall be glad to have them investigated.