§ Sir G. Jonesasked the President of the Board of Trade the names of the Committee who advised him in regard to the Making of Civilian Clothing (Restriction) Orders; and whether such persons, or any of them, are still advising him in regard to matters affecting clothes.
§ Mr. DaltonThe members of the Committee which advised my Department on the Making of Civilian Clothing (Restrictions) Order relating to men's suits are as follows:—Mr. T. W. Boyd, Mr. T. V. Cook, Mr. J. T. Davis, Mr. W. E. Gerrish, Mr. R. Harmer, Mr. T. R. Hewitt, Mr. A. Hollington, Mr. H. Kay, Mr. C. E. Marsden, Major J. Morris May, Mr. H. D. Mumby, Mr. P. Pope, Mr. W. F. Redman, Major D. E. Roberts, Mr. G. R. Schneiders, Mr. I. Shuttleworth and Mr. T. B. C. Thorneloe.
The Committee has not met since the Order was made in March, 1942, but several of its members and the Associa- 2219W tions which they represent, as well as other members of the industry, have been consulted by my Department from time to time on matters affecting the clothing trade.
§ Sir G. Jonesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he gave any licences, or granted permission, to any clothing manufacturers to manufacture clothing without regard to the regulations contained in the Making of Civilian Clothing (Restriction) Orders; upon what conditions and during what period; whether any check or inquiry was made to see if such conditions were duly complied with; and with what result.
§ Mr. DaltonThe Making of Civilian Clothing (Restrictions) Order relating to men's suits was made on 21st March, 1942 and came into operation on 1st May, 1942. A general licence, which was made on 26th March, 1942, authorised the completion of:—(1) Bespoke articles of civilian clothing, to which the Order applied, which were ordered before 28th March, 1942, and cut before 1st May, 1942. (2) ready-made articles of civilian clothing to which the Order applied which were cut before 1st May, t942. This licence was revoked as from 1st August, 1942, but special licences were issued allowing an extension of date to a few clothing manufacturers who, on account of Ministry of Supply contracts, were unable to complete before that date garments which had been cut before 1st May, 1942. While the Order was in operation, a number of special licences were issued to meet the needs of individual consumers who could show special reasons for being allowed to purchase clothing of other than restricted styles, e.g. on account of special physical disabilities or because they had to carry instruments in their pockets. With regard to enforcement of the restrictions, and of the conditions on which licences were issued, my technical officers made frequent visits to clothing manufacturers while the restrictions were in force, and in appropriate cases legal action was taken or warnings were administered.