§ Mr. Gledhillasked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements have been made to allow retailers with large stocks of fashion goods to dispose of same outside the rationing scheme?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe question of the release of stocks of clothing and footwear of types rendered unsaleable by the introduction of rationing is being urgently considered by the Board of Trade in consultation with the trade, and an announcement will be made as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Gledhillasked the President of the Board of Trade whether knitting wools for making young children's garments will be free from the rationing scheme in the same way as the garments themselves?
§ Mr. LytteltonNo, Sir. If knitting wool for children's garments were exempted it would not be possible to prevent its diversion to other purposes.
§ Sir L. Lyleasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that it will take about 70 coupons to purchase the regulation uniform for the Red Cross and St. John Ambulance societies, with the result that many women cannot afford to join; and whether it is proposed to make a concession in these cases?
§ Mr. LytteltonIt has been arranged as an interim measure that officers and members of the British Red Cross Society and of the St. John Ambulance Brigade may obtain coupon-free supplies of clothing by signing a statement on the back of the trader's bill certifying that the articles purchased represent their essential requirements of uniform for their personal use. Trained nurses of the joint war organisation of these two societies have similar facilities. The question of long-term arrangements is under consideration.
§ Lieutenant-Commander Tufnellasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in respect of the provision of surplices, cassocks and clerical clothes, some 490W concession in the rationing of clothes order will be accorded to the clergy?
§ Mr. LytteltonSome concession will be arranged, but I am not yet in a position.to give particulars.