Mr. Vane:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, where any person reports a second loss by any member of a household of clothing coupons by theft or otherwise to the local assistance board, it is with his approval that a circular is sent to the effect that, while consideration will be given to the current application, no replacement will be made in the event of further losses by any member of the household; and whether he will ensure that all losses of clothing coupons reported will be properly investigated before a decision to refuse replacement is made.

The warning given after the second claim has been made has my approval. Wherever possible it is given by an officer of the Assistance Board at an interview. Applications are considered so that special circumstances may be taken into account. but I cannot undertake to have an investigation made in every case of a third loss where there are no special circumstances.

Mr. Vane:

Is the Minister aware that in the circular letter referring to the subject it is not a warning but a definite statement, and if he accepts the principle of replacing lost clothing coupons, will he assure the House that this will be done according to the merits of the case and not according to any arbitrary rule?

Applications are examined to see if there are special circumstances. It is only where there are no special circumstances that this action has been taken.