§ Major Owenasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what are the reasons for demanding from coastguards and auxiliary coastguards 18 clothing coupons for battle-dress, overcoat, cap and boots and a further four coupons for winter comforts, comprising balaclava helmet, scarf and gloves; and whether, in view of the fact that uniform is compulsory and is supplied by his Department, he will issue instructions that no further coupons will be demanded, thus placing the coastguards and auxiliary coastguards on the same footing as the other Armed Forces?
§ Mr. DaltonI have been asked to reply. Unlike members of the Forces, coastguards and auxiliary coastguards receive 65W a civilian ration book to cover all their clothing requirements. For their uniform they give up coupons at the same reduced rate as members of the Civil Defence services.