§ 70. Mr. Kingasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider increasing the supply of clothing coupons to housewives as opposed to males or spinsters, in view of the difficulties they are faced with in the provision of household linen, tea towels, etc.
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir. The present basic ration is fixed at a level to include the purchase of the available supplies of household linen, and I should not be justified in increasing the call on total supplies by adding to the coupons of particular categories of consumers. It should be possible for everyone to make some coupon contribution to the needs of the household to which he or she belongs
§ 71. Mr. Kingasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the exceptionally heavy wear and tear of clothing to which shipyard workers are subject, he will arrange to increase the pool of coupons now held by works committees on their behalf.
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir. I am satisfied that the amount already allocated is as much as can be justified having regard to the supply position.
§ Mrs. Mannasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the present disorganisation of industry, the clothes ration of 32 coupons, as already announced for the period of six months from 1st March next, will be maintained.
§ Sir S. CrippsYes, Sir. It is my intention to make a further 32 coupons available on 1st March. Production of clothing and footwear is, however, being lost at the present time and these coupons may have to last for seven months and possibly longer. It must be some time before the82W effects of the present crisis can be accurately measured but, as soon as they can be, I will make a further announcement.