§ 40. Dr. Stephen Taylorasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to prevent the sale of unrationed and expensive material in the form of mattress covers, in view of the fact that better-off people buy these covers for conversion into clothing.
§ Sir S. CrippsYes, Sir. I have taken steps to prevent the sale of rationed cloth under the guise of unrationed articles such as mattress covers. Proceedings have already been taken against a number of persons and substantial penalties were imposed by the Central Criminal Court.
§ Mr. BowlesMay I ask the Minister whether he is aware that, in certain retail shops, curtain material can be had at expensive prices like 43s. 6d. per yard whereas the cheaper curtain material can only be had on surrender of coupons?
§ Sir S. CrippsI am afraid that is rather another question, and, if the hon. Member wishes for a reply, perhaps he will put it on the Order Paper.