§ 82. Mr. Garry Allighanasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the shortage of women's stockings is worsened by the damage done to them by the metal and plastic fittings to suspenders; what is the total amount of rubber saved by using those materials; and whether he will facilitate the use of rubber instead.
§ Mr. BelcherThe restrictions on the use of rubber in suspender fittings were withdrawn in November, 1945, but some manufacturers have been using their stocks of fittings of other types.
§ Mr. AllighanIn view of the fact that the majority of the women who have spoken to me complain that the suspenders they get today destroy their stockings, will he take steps to ensure that rubber is made available for this purpose?
§ Mr. BelcherI am not so well informed as the hon. Gentleman about the views of the women, but I can assure him that, so far as the Government are concerned, there is no restriction at all, and if manufacturers want to use rubber we will not prevent them