§ 15. Flight-Lieutenant Parkinasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in order to prevent the next issue of clothing coupons being spent entirely on small articles of clothing which may be in short supply, he will consider reducing to 14 coupons the coupon value of women's coats, of which many retailers hold large stocks.
14. Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchisonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider reducing the number of coupons required for women's overcoats and suits, having in view the large stocks of these garments now in the hands of manufacturers.
§ 17. Mr. Shurmerasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the fact that the next allocation of coupons is 14, he will lower the coupon value of women's coats and costumes which are now 15 to 18, so that women can avail themselves of the good supply of these garments at present in warehouses and shops.
§ Sir S. CrippsYes, Sir I have decided to reduce the coupon value of several items of women's and maids' outerwear of wool, the reduction to come into operation as soon as the technical arrangements can be completed and to continue until 7th June next. As an example of the reductions contemplated, I may say that a woman's coat of wool which now requires 18 coupons will be reduced to 12 coupons. An announcement will be made later, after consultation with the trade interests on the arrangements for any reimbursement of traders for the coupon loss involved. An amendment of the Consumer Rationing Order is involved, and no sales can be made at the reduced pointing until that amendment comes into force, which will be within the next few days.