HC Deb 25 January 1940 vol 356 cc805-6W
Captain Pluģģe

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the continued display by the National Savings Committee of advertisements stating that every cargo of non-essentials coming to this country wastes the work of our ships, our sailors, our aeroplanes, and warships, he will expedite a public statement as to what non-essentials are?

Sir J. Simon

Any attempt to enumerate non-essentials, involving as it would an enormously long list, seems impracticable, but I think that we can rely on the individual consumer to arrive at a reasonable judgment as to how far he can do without things without detrimental consequences.

Mr. Ammon

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government have inquired into the relationship of the large annual expenditure upon intoxicants, and the Government's policy that luxury expenditure should be drastically curtailed, and the money saved loaned to the nation; and whether he will appeal to the nation to limit much further its expenditure upon alcoholic beverages in order to free money for more necessary national purposes, food and feeding-stuffs, transport accommodation, and sterling exchange?

Sir J. Simon

It has been made plain in recent speeches by the Prime Minister and myself that the Government consider that it is the duty of everyone to restrict consumption of non-essentials so as to make available for the prosecution of the war the greatest possible proportion of our resources. I should regard restraint in the matter to which the hon. Member refers as one of many ways in which the public can fulfil this duty.