§ Sir A. Lambert Wardasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that outfitters are refusing to supply members of the Home Guard with uniform except on surrendering the full number of coupons; and, as this is increasing the difficulty of obtaining officers for the Home Guard, will he give instructions that battle-dress, at any rate, is to be supplied free of coupons?
§ Captain WaterhouseAn issue of uniforms, including battle-dress, is made to officers and members of the Home Guard by the military authorities. There is, therefore, no occasion for the grant of the special facilities suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend. The question of any special needs forms part of the general discussions now taking place with the War Office on the whole subject of clothing rationing as applied to the Army.
§ Mr. Messerasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the present rationing of materials is hindering the work of occupational therapy in mental hospitals; and if he can take steps to secure a relaxation of the rationing regulations in these special cases?
§ Mr. E. BrownI am in communication with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in this matter.