HC Deb 03 June 1947 vol 438 cc30-1
60. Mr. Paget

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if, in order to ease the work of shopkeepers, he will cancel some of the older clothing coupons.

Sir S. Cripps

Yes, Sir. I recognise that while the number of old clothing coupons outstanding is not likely to be considerable, their variety is increasing the task of shopkeepers with each succeeding issue. I propose accordingly to invalidate from 1st November, 1947, all coupons in the ordinary clothing books for the year 1945/46 and earlier, and certain supplementary and Service coupons of types which have not been issued recently. Valid coupons in the 1946/47 clothing books and the current types of coupon vouchers, Service and Merchant Navy coupons and supplementary coupons will remain valid until further notice. Full details will be published in the Press during the summer

Mr. C. S. Taylor

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider replacing some of the older coupons with new coupons, because there are a number of young people who are saving up their coupons in order to buy furnishing equipment when they get married?

Sir S. Cripps

This matter concerns clothing coupons. One cannot buy furniture—

Mr. Taylor

I said "furnishing equipment"—curtains and sheets, etc.

Sir S. Cripps

That is why we are not withdrawing them until 1st November. so as to give people time.

Major Cecil Poole

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman tell me what people have been wearing who still have clothing coupons for 1945?

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Can the Minister assure the House that when this influx of coupons comes on the market there will be adequate supplies to meet them?

Sir S. Cripps

Provided that the output of textiles remains at least as good as it is today, we calculate that there will be sufficient.