§ 73. Mr. Wilson Harrisasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that ex-King Zog of Albania ordered 30 suits of clothes while in this country; and whether he will state what clothing coupons were issued to this former monarch during his stay in Britain.
76 Dr. Jegerasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware 794 that ex-King Zog has had 30 suits made specially for him in England; what special facilities were provided to make these acquisitions possible; and for what reasons.
§ Sir S. CrippsEx-King Zog, in common with other civilians, had had a basic ration of 242 coupons since 1st June, 1941. On his recent departure to Egypt he was given a grant of 80 coupons, which is the usual allowance in such cases. In addition, he also received in 1942, a special supplementary issue of 100 coupons. I can only assume that he had a large number of suits before clothes rationing started.
§ Mr. HarrisBy virtue of what inherent qualities was this potentate endowed with this mass of coupons?
§ Sir S. CrippsHe did not have a mass of coupons, as the hon. Gentleman will see if he reads the answer.
§ The following Question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr.. House:
§ 89. To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that ex-King Zog, on leaving this country with his entourage for Egypt, took with him 2,000 pieces of luggage; and why was this uneconomic use of our shipping space allowed, in view of the great demand for shipping space for the needs of this country.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe Minister is not here to answer it.
§ Later—
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. House.
§ Colonel RopnerMr. Speaker, should not this Question be taken after 3.15? Is that not in accordance with our Standing Orders, when a Minister is not here to answer a Question?
§ Mr. SpeakerCertainly not. The Prime Minister of the late Government was not often here when his Questions were reached, and I always allowed his Questions when he entered the House.
The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. McNeil)His Majesty's Government were not involved in the arrangements for the transport of 795 King Zog's luggage, which were made through normal commercial channels. As regards the last part of the Question, I understand that, generally speaking, space can now be provided for all cargo which comes forward for shipment.
§ Mr. GlanvilleWill my hon. Friend tell us how much of this luggage ex-King Zog brought with him, as I want to know if he came here to get stocked up?
Mr. McNeilPerhaps my hon. Friend will put that Question down, and I promise to make full inquiries.