§ 79. Mr. Joynson-Hicksasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the hardship being caused by the continuance of the docket system; what is now the justification for the price of goods being cheaper when bought under dockets; and if he will reconsider the whole docket system.
§ Mr. BelcherThe docket system is retained to prevent hardship for those in most need. It has been brought to an end for blankets and sheets and the position of the other goods for which dockets200W are still issued, namely, floor coverings, mattresses and curtain material, is kept constantly under review. I am aware that people not entitled to dockets find it difficult to get these goods but, while there are insufficient to go round, we must continue to give priority to those whose needs are most urgent. As regards the second part of the Question, the docket itself does not entitle people to purchase cheaper goods, but a considerable proportion of the available utility goods are reserved for docket holders who, therefore, obtain a high proportion of the closely price controlled goods.