HC Deb 22 May 1947 vol 437 cc2512-3
33. Mr. Niall Macpherson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will cause civilian clothing coupons to be issued to men who have served for two years or more in His Majesty's Forces.

Sir S. Cripps

I cannot see my way to extend the concession already announced, under which civilian coupons are to be given to members of the Forces serving on a Regular engagement, to allow them to buy some civilian clothing during service in the Forces. Non-regular personnel who have now served for two years or more and who are released in due course under the present release scheme, will be entitled on release to receive, in addition to the civilian clothing outfit, 90 coupons as well as the current clothing book.

Mr. Macpherson

Is the Minister aware that many young men when they are called up are not fully developed, and that after a year or two in the Forces the civilian clothes which they had earlier simply do not cover them? Could he not reconsider this?

Sir S. Cripps

I am afraid we cannot reconsider it, because there is no more material available.

36. Mr. Rees-Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on the grant of additional allowances of coupons to purchase civilian clothing to members of the Regular Forces who have served continuously from 3rd September, 1939, and who are still serving.

Sir S. Cripps

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Winchester (Mr. G. Jeger), on 13th March.

Mr. Rees-Williams

I am aware of that reply, but may I ask the President of the Board of Trade to contact the Secretary of State for War to make that reply widely known to men in the Forces, because they do not know of this information?

Sir S. Cripps

I will certainly do that.