§ 2. Mr. Houseasked the President of the Board of Trade when he intends to extend the coupon allowance to provide a civilian with a reasonable opportunity to purchase a suit of clothes or a costume as well as other clothing necessities.
§ Mr. MarquandWe cannot increase the coupon allowance as suggested since there is not sufficient cloth and other goods available to meet such an increase.
§ Mr. TolleyWill my hon. Friend give any indication when he will be able to make a statement, as we cannot go on living on war rations?
§ Mr. MarquandIf it depended entirely on the Board of Trade, it would be easy. The difficulty, of course, is the output of textiles, which is lagging behind requirements.
§ 30. Mr. Jannerasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that many persons arriving in this country from tropical regions are not aware of the facilities available to them for obtaining coupons, enabling them to purchase clothes suitable for the British climate; and if he will make a statement setting out what facilities exist and give an assurance that all persons are given equally sympathetic treatment in this respect whatever their means, standing and nationality.
§ Mr. MarquandInformation about arrangements for getting coupons for special needs is given in a pamphlet issued by the Board of Trade entitled, "Where to get Information about Clothes Rationing." The number of applications received from people arriving here from tropical regions suggests that the facilities are well-known already, 1024 but we are considering whether, in addition to the present arrangements, information and forms of application can be distributed through the shipping companies. I can assure my hon. Friend that equal consideration is given to all applications but, whilst shortages of supplies continue, travellers are advised to bring with them as much warm clothing as possible since the issues granted are necessarily limited