Mr. McKieasked the President of the Board of Trade the reasons for recently refusing the issue of 60 clothing coupons to British wives who are joining, or have joined, their American husbands; and if he is aware of the inconvenience caused to British families through the difficulty of providing dollars to purchase goods on the American continent.
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§ Mr. MarquandNo supplementary coupons are given to brides setting up homes in this country, and it is not desirable to give more favourable treatment to women going to the U.S.A. to join their American husbands. Women going overseas on marriage get the same treatment as other people going abroad. With supplies of clothing so short and the increase in the number of people travelling, extra coupons can only be given to those travelling to certain destinations for which their existing clothing would be inadequate. No coupons are now given to people going to the U.S.A. As regards the latter part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for South Leeds (Mr. Gaitskell) on 18th October.