Summary

Alternative Name(s): Newspaper Clipping, Newspaper Article

Newspaper cutting published on 16 June 1942, during World War II, detailing the 'Correct Use of Ration Tickets'. The information is organized under headings including 'For What Goods do I give up Coupons?', 'Where can I use my Clothing Coupons', 'Can Loose Coupons ever be used?' and 'May I Give Coupons to Friends?'. The newspaper which published the cutting is unknown. The back of the cutting has a part article on WAAAF training, details of war-time weddings and an advertisement for clothing from Georges, which reminds customers that they can 'continue to have "that Georges look" - whilst adhering to the war basis principle of "Watchful Spending"'.

The rationing of clothing was gazetted on 12 June 1942, with each person was issued with 112 coupons per year. The newspaper cutting indicates that the coupon books were received by consumers four days later, on 16 June. Butter rationing had begun on 7 June, tea and sugar rationing were soon introduced, and meat was rationed from January 1944. Clothing rationing continued until 24 June 1948, and all food rationing was abolished by 1950. Rationing was implemented during World War II to manage genuine shortages and to control civilian consumption, thereby curbing inflation, reducing consumer spending, ensuring the equitable distribution of essentials and encouraging savings, which it was hoped would be invested in war loans.

Physical Description

Narrow rectangular newspaper cutting, with extension to lower right. Main body contains two columns of text, explaining the terms of clothing rationing. The back of the cutting has articles on war-time weddings, WAAAF trainees and advertisements, including one for clothing from Georges. The paper is very yellowed and has a strong central horizontal cress. Top edge of paper has sawtooth cut.

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