HC Deb 05 June 1945 vol 411 cc666-7
27. General Sir Georģe Jeffreys

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the arrangements regarding the issue of clothing coupons to returned prisoners of war; and whether he is aware that many of these men, who are now on leave, are, owing to lack of coupons, deficient of various articles of clothing and particularly of pyjamas which are needed by men living with their families.

Mr. Lyttelton

Repatriated prisoners of war, who return to civilian life on release from the Services, receive civilian clothing coupons in the same way as other men released from the Forces. Repatriated prisoners or war who are not yet released may retain, for their own use, the twenty coupons issued to their next-of-kin for parcels by the Red Cross, or may apply to the Red Cross for the coupons if the next-of-kin has returned them.

Sir G. Jeffreys

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, possibly owing to some mischance, many of these men have not got all these coupons, whatever the regulations may be, and that they are subject to very considerable discomfort through lack of such things as pyjamas and other articles, when they join their families?

Mr. Lyttelton

I hope the concession with regard to the 20 coupons will remedy the position to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers.