70. Mr. Wilson Harrisasked the President of the Board of Trade what extra amount of cloth has been allocated to allow of the increased length and volume of ladies' dresses.
§ Mr. BottomleyCloth is not allocated to clothing manufacturers but they obtain 207 it against the coupons they receive for their garments. Since the introduction of rationing, it has been the practice that when the coupon value of the garments produced is less than the coupon value of the cloth used, a manufacturer may, particularly where his home trade is associated with export business, be reimbursed to a limited extent. No concession is, of course, allowed for any extravagant use of cloth.
Mr. Wilson HarrisDoes the hon. Member mean that more cloth is being allocated on account of the increased length of ladies' dresses?
§ Mr. BottomleyNo, Sir.
§ Mr. TolleyHow much of this cloth has been allocated at the expense of cloth for men's tailor-made suits?
§ Mr. BottomleyMore cloth is being allocated to men's tailor-made suitings, which means that there will be less cloth available for women's garments. I would point out that there has been an extra allowance because we recognised that we had to meet the wishes of people who need outsize garments, and it is in that way that there is no extra call on cloth.
§ Major HaughtonHave not the Board of Trade authorised the issue of extra coupons for those manufacturers specialising in "New Look" dresses, and where is the line drawn between such a manufacturer and those who are still producing the ordinary type of dress?
§ Mr. BottomleyI indicated in my original reply that there is no alteration in practice as a result of rationing.
§ Mr. Vernon BartlettWill the hon. Member explain from where this extra cloth comes? There is no doubt that it must come from somewhere? Does it mean that those who happen to be outsize will not be able to get a reasonable suit in the future?
§ Mr. BottomleyIt will depend on the manufacturer, who will only get the cloth available for the coupons he provides.