§ 15. Mr. Swinglerasked the President of the Board of Trade, if it is his intention that ex-Servicemen demobilised since 13th June, 1945, who have lost their clothes ration vouchers through causes other than burglary and fire, shall forfeit their right to the additional allowance of coupons.
§ Sir S. CrippsI would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer which I gave to similar Questions on this matter on Thursday last.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs it not totally unfair that ex-Servicemen who have inadvertently lost their vouchers should have, no opportunity whatever of proving their bona fide claims for this allowance?
§ Sir S. CrippsIf my hon. Friend will read the answer he will see that that is not the position.
§ Mr. Somerville HastingsWhat is the position of ex-Servicemen who have never received their first voucher—and I know there are some?
§ Sir S. CrippsIf they are entitled to it they should apply for it.
§ 28. Mr. Lipsonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will arrange that ex-merchant seamen be granted the additional clothing coupons to which ex-Servicemen are entitled.
§ Sir S. CrippsI am satisfied that the special treatment already given to merchant seamen is fair, both during his time at sea and afterwards, and I am afraid I cannot adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Mr. LipsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that his reply will bring great disappointment to a fine body of men who have given very distinguished service during the war, and would he reconsider it? Should not these ex-merchant seamen be put on a par with other ex-Service-men?
§ Sir S. CrippsEx-merchant seamen are in a very much better position that other ex-Servicemen, and I will remind the hon. Member what the advantages are. In addition to an allowance of coupons for an initial outfit, the merchant seaman receives 109 coupons a year for his personal use. On discharge to civil life he has a personal assessment through a needs test by the Customs up to 153 coupons, and his losses at sea may be met up to 300 coupons.