CLOTHES-RATIONS
Sts,—As the winter of my discontent has not yet been made glorious summer by the sun of York, or any other sun, I should like to beg the hospitality of your columns for the further instalment of my dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the Government's attempt to deal with a difficult situation created by the war.
It seems probable that, in order to secure the even distribution of food, the rationing of our food was necessary, but I do not feel at all confident that rationing of clothes is necessary or is in the national interest. No doubt it causes the Government additional expenses in procuring expert advice on rationing of clothes. In addition to that, the Government will lose very largely in income-tax on the incomes of the smaller tailoring shops, and both income-tax and sur- tax collectable from the multiple tailors' shops, such as " The Tailor of Taste " and " The Fifty Shilling Tailor." In any case, it seems dear to me that rationing should not be established without a full enquiry to see whether the nation loses or gains by it. This would involve the making of a profit and loss account, which no doubt the Treasury could undertake without any additional expense. I am not at all sure that the difficulties of distribution might not be met by the fixing of prices and the subsidising of the small tailoring establishments throughout the country, nor am I satisfied that this course would cost the Government more than they lose by rationing.
Thanking you for the hospitality of your columns, which I find from week to week are open to a variety of views, whether you agree with them or not, I am, your obedient servant, FAIRFIELD. Fairfield House, Caldy, Cheshire.
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