HC Deb 29 October 1945 vol 415 c11
29. Mr. Bowles

asked the President of the Board of Trade why highly-priced curtain materials can be obtained at retail shops without the surrender of coupons, while in return for the majority of the cheaper materials priority dockets and coupons have to be surrendered.

Sir S. Cripps

The manufacture of non-utility furnishing fabric has been prohibited since 1942. The highly priced material referred to by my hon. Friend consists either of remnants of stocks of heavy furnishing fabrics unsuitable for wearing apparel or of fabrics woven under licence from stocks of yarn technically unsuitable for more essential purposes. By reason of their weight, weave or printed pattern these cloths are priced higher than those within the utility range. Priority dockets are issued to persons setting up house for the first time on marriage or after losing their former homes through enemy action. These dockets entitle the holder to 15 square yards of utility furnishing fabric without the surrender of coupons. It is necessary to demand the surrender of coupons for any other curtain material since it can also be used for the manufacture of wearing apparel.

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