§ 10. Mr. Spenceasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, under present conditions, he will reconsider his Department's decision that a dressing gown is a non-essential garment; and whether he is aware that the coupon value allocated has virtually stopped production of these garments.
§ Sir S. CrippsIn present circumstances, dressing gowns must continue to be regarded as relatively inessential for all but infants and young children; and the fact that current supplies appear to keep pace with demand, although the present low paintings discourage production, suggests that the public takes the same view.
§ Mr. SpenceIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the coupon value which is surrendered by the public is only about half the actual coupon value of the cloth, and that this restriction is tending to produce a bad type of dressing gown, more or less the equivalent of a raincoat?
§ Sir S. CrippsIt is intended to decrease the production of dressing gowns.
§ Commander NobleWill the Minister give special consideration to small firms whose business has been specially de signed to make these garments, and which are now virtually out of business?
§ Sir S. CrippsGenerally we get complaints about most matters but we have not got any complaints about that.