The Pittsburgh Press (June 1, 1941)
BRITAIN RATIONS CLOTHING, IMITATING GERMAN SYSTEM
By William R. Downs, United Press staff writer
London, May 31 –
The British government announced drastic rationing of clothing. All except hats and infants’ wear will be rationed starting Sunday under a coupon system similar to that in effect in Germany. The rationing announcement was delayed until after the Saturday night shopping period, to prevent a run on stores.
Each Briton will receive 66 ration coupons a year and each article, as announced in published tables, will require a certain number of coupons.
Main objects, it was said, will be to overcome bad distribution of supplies caused by population shifts due to evacuation, prevent hoarding, and place rich and poor alike on an equal footing. Small shops will be assured of supplies proportionate to those received by large stores.
A dress will require 11 coupons, a shirt 8, a suit 26.
In Germany, the annual clothing ration is 100 points – including 60 points for a suit, 30 for a sweater, 3 for a necktie, 20 for a shirt, 40 for a wool dress, 30 for other dresses and 15 for a corset.