§ Sir F. Sandersonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether stocks of wool textile goods in the hands of whole- 2122W salers and retailers, when destroyed by enemy action are replaceable outside the ration; and whether he has consulted with the Ministry of Supply with a view to making available the necessary raw material?
§ Captain WaterhouseYes, Sir. Wool textile goods held for sale by retailers which have been destroyed by enemy action may be replaced without restriction under the Limitation of Supplies Orders and without the surrender of coupons under the Consumer Rationing Orders. Registered wholesalers can in any case obtain supplies without restriction and without coupons. Wool has been available in sufficient quantities to allow the manufacture of replacement goods.
§ Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade what qualifications for his present post are possessed by Mr. Melville Watkins, Director-General of Civilian Clothing, and what salary is being paid to him?
§ Sir A. DuncanMr. Metford Watkins has considerable, experience of the clothing trades. For some months past he has been a member of the Industrial and Export Council and has been dealing with the problem of concentrating industry. He receives no salary.
§ Major Lyonsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will publish a list showing all the exemptions and concessions that have been made in relation to clothes rationing since the introduction of the scheme, to date?
§ Captain WaterhouseIt is hoped very shortly to publish a booklet in popular form giving the information mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend. A further leaflet will also be available this month designed primarily to assist traders.
§ Mr. Quibellasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to publish the full regulations governing the supply of wool for comfort knitters; and what is the information given by the director of voluntary organisations to inquirers who wish to know what procedure they should adopt to obtain the wool they require?
§ Captain WaterhouseFull details of the scheme for providing coupon-free wool to individuals wishing to knit comforts for near relatives serving with the Forces away 2123W from home will be published very shortly. The director of voluntary organisations is concerned with the administration and coordination of the official schemes for the supply of comforts in bulk to units of the Forces, not with the Board of Trade scheme for individual comforts.
§ Mr. Manderasked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements can be made for members of the Air Training Corps to procure shoes, socks and waterproofs, forming part of their uniform, without coupons on a signature from a commanding officer, as' in the case of regular units of the Royal Air Force and other services?
§ Captain WaterhouseMembers of the Air Training Corps are not at present required to purchase additional socks, shoes or waterproofs of a special type for uniform wear, but may use those normally worn in civil life. There is therefore no occasion for the concession suggested by my hon. Friend.