HC Deb 11 March 1948 vol 448 cc1395-6
4. Mr. Osborne

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he intends to cut the clothing coupons; and by how much will they be cut.

Mr. H. Wilson

As I warned the House on 27th January, when I announced the level of the clothing ration for the current period, if it should come to a choice for the next ration period between dollars and the home ration, we should have to reduce the ration rather than lose dollar earnings. No decision has, however, yet been made whether the ration will have to be reduced in the next period or can be maintained at the present level.

Mr. Osborne

Is the Minister aware that recently his Parliamentary Secretary said that unless cotton rayon and woollen outputs were greatly increased next year, the coupons would have to be cut severely; and will he give as much notice as possible?

Mr. Wilson

What my hon. Friend said—and I think the hon. Gentleman is referring to a speech made by him to the Retail Drapers' Association—was simply to repeat the warning which I gave to this House on 27th January. Certainly, we are keeping the thing very closely under review, and we should wish to make an announcement as soon as possible.

Mr. Sidney Shephard

Is the Minister aware that just over a year ago his Parliamentary Secretary said there was every likelihood that the coupons would be increased?