A History of the Ministry of Information, 1939-46

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Wt 39944. 10M 11/43. W.R.R. & S. Ltd. GP 38. (14).
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
SECRET

No. 182. 30th March, 1944 .

(Covering period from 21st to 28th March, 1944)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General

For the fourth week in succession spirits are on about the same level. There has been less comment about Eire and about Service pay and allowances than last week; otherwise little change in discussion of the war and home front topics.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)

2. The Prime Minister's broadcast speech (March 26)

Preliminary reports only have so far been received.

The broadcast was eagerly awaited, and people generally expected the Prime Minister to deal mainly with the second front. Some hoped for “a stirring call to action”.

Apparently as a result of these anticipations, reactions have been mixed, with disappointment predominating. The familiar remark is once more made: “He told us nothing fresh.”

Despite his disclaimer, some objection is also reported on the ground that it sounded like an election speech; though opinion seems to be evenly divided about Mr. Churchill's “hitting back at his armchair critics”.

His references to domestic policy, however, and particularly housing, were on the whole warmly praised.

(1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 18 ten P.D.Rs.)

3. Russia

Military : Admiration and amazement continue, with particular excitement at the Rumanian frontier having been reached.

However, a number believe that the German withdrawal is not altogether unintentional, that they are getting a good many men away and may yet make a stand (Four Regions).

Uneasy comparisons with the stalemate in Italy continue (Nine Regions). Many still feel that Russia is winning the war on her own and are anxious for us to do more to help.

Political and postwar : Minority anxiety about Russia's “ultimate aims” continues. It is feared that she will have a dominating influence in postwar Europe. Some concern about Poland continues.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 18)

3a. Russia and Finland

Interest is less - as too is sympathy with the Finns. The Russian terms are still thought most moderate and the Finns very foolish to refuse them. “They've asked for all they get now.”

(1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 18)

3b. Russia and the Badoglio Government

Some people continue worried at Russia's recognition of the Badoglio government; and it has led to some misgivings about stories of Allied harmony (Three Regions).

(1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 8)

4. Italy

Disappointment is keener. People are bewildered and concerned at our lack of progress - particularly in Cassino. They cannot understand how we can still be held up after the terrific bombardment we gave the place; and this has led to some doubts about the value of concentrated bombing (Four Regions), and some admiration for the toughness of the German troops (Two Regions).

It is also asked whether the Anzio landing hasn't been more or less a failure.

Some, however, continue to console themselves that we are holding - and killing - Germans in Italy, and that it is, in any case, only a side-show.

Criticism, which has been fairly widespread, (Nine Regions) has been chiefly that:

  1. Something has gone wrong (Eight Regions), either with our initial plan or with our strategy and tactics.

  2. Our leadership is poor (Four Regions).

A few also wonder if our Army is properly equipped, others if the Americans are sufficiently trained (Two Regions each).

Comparisons with Russia (Nine Regions) and fears for the second front (Four Regions) continue.

News presentation : There has been some criticism of exaggeration, and of not being told the full facts (Two Regions each).

There is also complaint of the small publicity given to British as compared with Dominion troops.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 18 passim)

5. Allied air offensive

In addition to widespread satisfaction with the scale of the present offensive, and praise for the R.A.F. and especially for the U.S.A.A.F., the following aspects of the air war have caused most discussion this week:

Losses (Nine Regions). The loss of 73 planes in one night has caused concern. Some people consider this “disproportionate, even though 1000 planes are sent out”; others, however, “on reflection say that the loss of life is not high compared with casualties in the last war”.

With some people the first question is always: “What are our losses?” It is thought that they are apt to remember the big figures and forget the occasions when they are small.

Speculation about the effects of bombing on German morale (Eight Regions), and surprise, tinged with admiration, that the Germans have stood it so long.

Doubt of the effectiveness of bombing as a destructive weapon (Six Regions): This has been stimulated by: (a) “The failure of the record tonnage dropped at Cassino to get the desired results” (Four Regions) and, to a less extent, (b) The continued endurance of the German population and (c) the need to drop 3,000 tons on Frankfurt - “one of the R.A.F's regular targets since 1941”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 18 ninety-one P.D.Rs.)

5a. Air raids on this country

Comment this week has mainly been about:

Rumours of London damage (Six Regions): Many still believe that the London raids are bad, and the damage worse than press and radio indicate. It is felt that if more precise details of raid damage could be published sooner there would be much less ill-founded rumour, some of which is described as “very alarmist”. Thus, in Scotland it is rumoured that “a big American camp was completely blotted out in a recent raid”. In London, the suggestion is made that casualty lists should be put up at the town halls as soon as possible after compilation, as after raids a large section of the community is “ready to believe anything”.

A.A. defences (Five Regions): Opinions differ as to whether the number of German planes brought down is a matter for praise or blame. Some disappointment comes from the North Eastern and North Midlands Regions and Wales, but this week the comment from London and the South East is entirely favourable. The number of planes brought down is said to be one of the factors leading to the increasingly “firmer” reaction towards raids, noted among Londoners.

(2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12)

6. Second front

Tension and impatience continue. Comment appears to be almost identical, both in range and intensity, with that reported last week. Rumours continue much diminished.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)

6a. General Montgomery's recent speeches and talks

Little comment, though on the whole these have been liked, particularly that of March 24. However there is some surprise that General Montgomery has time to tour the country at the present time.

(2. 3. 9. 11. 13)

6b. The coastal ban

During the past two weeks reports have indicated that the ban has on the whole been accepted without surprise, as a necessity, and as a sign of the imminence of the second front. A few, however, think it is a blind.

Workers hope it will not spoil their holidays and people in pleasure resorts within the banned areas expect financial stress.

Some confusion as to how the ban will work in individual cases is reported.

(1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 11. 12)

7. South East Europe

Hitler's occupation of Hungary has aroused interest, puzzlement - many believe he at the same time occupied Rumania and Bulgaria - and some surprise among those who thought it had already been done.

Opinion is divided as to whether it is (a) A good thing for the Allies.... “A still further strain on Germany's resources”, or (b) Evidence of Germany's determination and strength. Some ask where Hitler gets all his troops from.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 18 forty-two P.D.Rs.)

8. Far East

Interest in the fighting is on the same level as last week. Satisfaction at our use of parachute troops in Burma is now mixed with concern at the Japanese offensive there.

There are some complaints of too little news; and the B.B.C. is criticised for giving the news of the Far East last of all (Three Regions). However, except among relatives of the fighting men, the details make little impression on people (Three Regions).

(2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 12. 13. 18 thirty-four P.D.Rs.)

9. Eire

Reduced and less detailed comment has been reported this week. The main reactions are again: (a) General approval (apart from some Eire workers in this country) of the action taken - with a feeling that it should have been done long ago; (b) Desire for stronger action; (c) Disgust with Eire.... “de Valera's wail about saving Rome has just about put the lid on everything”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 18 eighty-three P.D.Rs.)

10. Debate on War Medals and Decorations

Little comment. There is some adverse comment that Parliament's time should be wasted in discussing such a matter at this critical stage of the war (Two Regions), and that those who manned the guns and did other great work in the blitz are being let down (Two Regions).

(1. 2. 5. 18 two P.D.Rs.)

11. Broadcasting and news presentation

General Forces Programme (Twelve Regions): Although some are said to be getting more used to it, the majority remain critical, on grounds of: “Choppiness” (Five Regions); too much dance music (Five Regions); too many crooners (Four Regions); insufficient light music (Two Regions).

The news headlines are praised, however, both for manner of presentation and frequency.

Praise for : Commander Anthony Kimmins' Postscript, March 19; discussion on sex in the “To Start you Talking” series (Three Regions each); Charlie McCarthy; “ITMA” (Two Regions each).

Brains Trust (Four Regions): Opinion about equally divided between praise and criticism.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

FULL MONTHLY REVIEW

12. Postwar

During the past four weeks discussion has continued widespread. Concern and uneasiness are the main reactions. People are critical of the Government's attitude and often distrustful of its intentions. There is a widespread demand for a general statement of its policy, and for some co-ordination of the various plans. Greater urgency and fewer speeches are thought necessary.

At the same time an increasing minority feel we should “get the war over first” (Six Regions) and fear that the Government's attention is being distracted from the more immediate issues.

There are also increasing doubts as to how all the money is to be found (Four Regions).

The chief points for anxiety have been:

(a) Housing (Eleven Regions). This is regarded as the “major problem ahead” and a speedy start is felt to be very necessary. Lack of definite plans here are especially criticised, particularly as affecting land control and the location of industry (Ten Regions). Complaints have continued that local authorities cannot plan until they know Government policy on these points.

The Government's postwar housing scheme continues to be criticised as “inadequate” (Eight Regions).

Prefabricated houses (Nine Regions) again arouse interest. Opinion remains chiefly critical, but in some cases antipathy is thought to be lessening - as long as they are really only temporary. There is some fear, however, that in practice they will have their life extended “as long as patching will make them last”.

(b) Employment (Nine Regions), particularly for demobilised servicemen. In the Northern and North Western Regions - particularly in Tyneside, Teesside and South West Durham - people are particularly fearful of returning to the conditions prevailing during the depression. In these districts there is said to be a growing demand for direct Government control of the location of industry and for new light industries, both of which are felt to be necessary if a drift south is to be prevented.

(c) Agriculture (Seven Regions). Farmers think their prospects are “far from rosy”.

(d) The Beveridge Report (Six Regions). It continues to be feared that this is being “shelved” or “reduced to naught”. It's implementation is again demanded (Four Regions).

(e) The small trader (Four Regions). It is feared that he will be “squeezed out” by the large combine.

Other comment has been of:

Controls : Criticism of controls and “bureaucracy” has continued (Six Regions), but they are expected to be retained for some time after the war (Three Regions). Some feel that they will be necessary (Five Regions), e.g. to prevent the price of food rising, to prevent large-scale unemployment, to regulate the prices of building materials, to direct labour to the building industry, and for the benefit of farmers (One Region each).

Demobilisation (Three Regions). The “points” scheme is praised by some, thought not fully understood. Others think “first in, first out” without any qualification.

Appreciation is reported from three Regions of the Government's decision to provide complete outfits for demobilised servicemen.

Emigration (Two Regions). A few are interested in the possibilities offered by the Colonies or America.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12)

12a. The Education Bill

During the past four weeks interest in, and approval of, the Bill, - though keenest among educationalists - have been widespread among the general public (Eleven Regions). The attitude of the Roman Catholics is again criticised (Four Regions). They are thought to have received very fair treatment.

There has been some criticism of the slow progress of the Bill through Parliament (Five Regions).

Comment has been chiefly of:

(a) Raising the school-leaving age (Nine Regions). Except among some working-class people and in rural areas (Five Regions), this is approved. Loss of potential income and the difficulty of maintaining children a further year are felt to be a serious problem for the poor, however.

Some complain of the time limit for raising the leaving age to sixteen not being fixed (Four Regions).

(b) Teachers (Seven Regions). Some fear the scheme may be spoiled because of insufficient teachers. Others stress the need for raising the general standard - particularly of elementary school teachers.

Teachers themselves are said to fear for the status of their profession through an influx of untrained or too speedily trained entrants. “Army selections” are particularly feared. Teachers also fear that classes may be even larger than at present, in the initial stages of the new scheme.

The decision to retain married women teachers is approved (Four Regions).

(c) Buildings . The need for good buildings is appreciated (Five Regions); and people fear that the shortage may be another factor in holding up the scheme.

(d) Young people's colleges are generally welcomed (Two Regions), though some think one day a week insufficient.

(e) The absorption by county councils of Part III Education Authorities continues to be criticised by a minority (Three Regions).

(f) Fees . Some feel all fee-paying should have been abolished (Two Regions).

(g) Denominational schools (Two Regions). Some continue to think these unnecessary.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12)

12. White Paper on National Health Service

Comment is again mainly approving, but people feel the scheme needs more publicity. Some continue to fear the scheme will mean the end of private practice and the doctor's individual interest. It is hoped that medical services will be improved in rural areas where there is often only one doctor for a number of villages. People again ask if we can afford such a service.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 11. 12)

13. Miners and mining

Talk has not died down, and differs little from that reported during the last two weeks. While blame of the miners for striking continues to be the predominating reaction, criticism of the Government is said to have increased. They are still blamed for “making a terrible muddle of the mining situation” and for weakness in handling it; but now, in addition, the fact that the miners got what they wanted makes it look to some people as though their taking strike action had been justified ... “Only he who kicks up a row gets any consideration.”

The owners are also blamed for “the mining muddle”, chiefly because of “the raw deal they have given the miners in the past”, but also for not giving them free coal now. The stopping from wages of a weekly charge for home coal is a subject of much grumbling among miners - some of whom would rather have a straightforward wage than “deductions for this and that”.

Two reports mention a feeling that the position has been aggravated by the press, either by publishing letters giving extreme views against miners, or - in the case of the Daily Telegraph - by “lending itself to a blackguardedly attack on the miners”.

Relief is expressed that the Welsh miners have gone back to work, but the present position is thought to be “an uneasy peace with trouble likely to recur at any moment” and nationalisation is again advocated.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 18 seventy-six P.D.Rs.)

13a. The ballot for the mines

During the past four weeks unfavourable comment has continued, general objections to the ballot being based on the familiar contentions that the boys will be of no value to the industry for a long time and that skilled miners should be returned from the Forces. Miners are said to object on the same grounds, and also because “you have to be born and bred to be a miner”; and because the boys, being unwilling workers, will have a bad influence on other pit boys and “will take things easy, in any case”.

Accommodation for the Bevin Boys : Little comment, but where difficulty has been experienced in finding accommodation for the boys, the following reasons have been given: (a) Anticipated difficulty in catering for them. (b) Resentment - “Why should I take in these lads when my man is a trained man and in the Forces?” (c) Unwillingness, on the part of widows and old age pensioners, to incur deductions from their supplementary pensions if they add to their income by taking in lodgers - “extra work and no benefit”. (d) The sheets and towels problem; where beds and bedding have been provided by the Ministry of Health, these have been appreciated.

Reference is made to (a) boys being so satisfied with their lodgings that they have asked to be sent to local pits when their training is done; and (b) landladies finding that the boys cannot pay for their lodgings till the tenth day after their arrival, by which time they have been known to leave without paying.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 9. 10. 11)

13b. Fuel

During the past four weeks there have again been continuous complaints about domestic fuel supplies - especially shortage. Impatience with the mining situation has sharpened criticism in some cases, and people are already becoming anxious about next winter's coal supply. Comment has been chiefly about:

Domestic supplies (Twelve Regions), especially:

(a) Bad distribution and delayed deliveries (Eleven Regions). Continued complaints of: (i) People failing to receive their monthly “allowance”, because of delay in deliveries, people in outlying districts being sometimes without coal for 6 weeks or more; and (ii) The unfairness of not allowing orders, which have not been delivered during one month, to be carried over into the next - consumers think it wrong they should be penalised for the merchant's failure to deliver.

Waiting for the coalman is now given as a reason for absenteeism by women factory workers. The transport problem is thought to be increased by the fact that, whereas in normal times people would take a ton at a time, they are now allowed to take only 4 cwts, which means an extra strain on the coal merchant's transport and manpower.

(b) “Inadequate allowance” (Ten Regions), especially for: (i) Households without gas or electricity - particularly where there are industrial workers who have to get up at 5.30 a.m. and light their fires then, or workers whose working clothes have to be dried - “How the hell can anyone get my damp clothes dry on four scuttles a week?” (ii) Those who were unable to store during the summer through lack of money or space; (iii) People in the North and North East who think their allowance inadequate for “northern rigours”; (iv) lodging houses, where the lodger may be without a fire if the landlady cannot spare coal from her allowance.

The announcement of the April allowance is awaited with interest.

(c) Poor quality coal (Nine Regions). “You can't sit in front of the bloody fire, because of stone flying all over the room!”

(d) High price of coal (Seven Regions). “Why should the maximum price be charged when the cost for screening and picking over has not been incurred?” Some people suspect the increased price is “simply to swell the pay packets of the pitmen”, others think it goes to the owners or the factors: neither possibility pleases.

(e) Shortage of coke (Four Regions), and its high price.

(f) High price of logs (Two Regions).

Fuel saving (Seven Regions): The difficulty of obtaining fuel and its high price are thought to have done more to encourage economy than fuel-saving propaganda which - under the circumstances - is said to “put people in a bad temper”. The discouraging effect of miners' strikes has repeatedly been mentioned - “economy seems to be for the miners' benefit”. It is also still thought that “we can't be so badly off if we can send thousands of tons to Spain”.

Miners' allowances of coal (Four Regions) continue to cause annoyance to those who are short of it, particularly in mining areas, where the sight of a miner's coal allowance being delivered next door to homes with no coal causes ill-feeling.

(c) Broken rest and late hours due to air raids (Three Regions), particularly in the case of children.

(d) Long hours of work (Two Regions).

(e) Footwear difficulties (One Region) thought to be the cause of the prevalence of colds and coughs among children.

Official statements about the health of the nation are thought to be “nonsense” and “cause irritation” (Two Regions).

Tuberculosis (Three Regions): The length of time between diagnosis and admission to a sanatorium is causing concern (Two Regions); patients are said sometimes to have to wait many months. Concern is also reported about the apparent increase in T.B., the “free mixing of sufferers in public places”, and the need for “more exhortation to boil all milk”.

Small-pox (Two Regions): Anxiety over the outbreak is reported.

Doctors (Two Regions): The shortage of doctors, and the tiredness and overworked condition of many, cause concern.

See also Constant Topics, No. 1.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 18)

15a. Venereal diseases campaign

During the past four weeks little comment has been reported, but there is anxiety about the incidence of disease, particularly among young girls. The campaign is thought to have been well received, though said by some to be “too spasmodic”. It is again asked why propaganda against drink is not undertaken.

(7. 10. 12)

16. Industry

Production : Again this week there is talk (Five Regions) of unsatisfactory production of various kinds, and of workers being discontented or unsettled in consequence, all the more through not understanding the reasons. Reference is made to: (i) Slacking off of work in certain factories (Weymouth and Banbury), which workers do not understand and cannot “reconcile with Mr. Lyttelton's appeal for an all-out effort”; (ii) The standing-off of factory workers in the Swindon, Bristol and Gloucester areas; (iii) “Factory staffs with practically nothing to do” - In one factory in the Midlands Region “where General Montgomery spoke and urged workers to go all out, a department was closed two days later as it was said to be redundant”; (iv) Men in Iron and Steel being dismissed without reasons being given (Consett, Northern Region) - this is said to have caused consternation, with added resentment that no women were dismissed.

The Belfast strikes : According to the Northern Ireland report, “the strike situation in Belfast war factories has become steadily worse; at the moment the resources of conciliation seem to have been exhausted and the strike looks like dragging on indefinitely. Public opinion has passed through the stages of irritation and indignation to a state of mind now bordering on despair. Although there have been some expressions of sympathy with the strikers and some criticism of the wage structure in the war industries, public opinion is overwhelmingly against the strikers' action. Their obduracy is scathingly commented on and contrasted with Mr. Churchill's appeal for unity of effort, and with General Montgomery's stirring call to the nation in his speech in London.”

The stoppages are all unofficial and the strikers are not receiving strike pay or unemployment benefit; there is indignant comment on the fact that they have issued leaflets appealing for financial support.

During the past four weeks , there has been little other comment on industry or manpower apart from a few references to: (a) Condemnation of industrial strikes; (b) Evasion of call-up, chiefly by young married women without household responsibilities, but also by “healthy young men hiding in industry”; (c) Criticism of the continued call-up of women, “with so many men unemployed”; (d) Uneasiness or discontent over the new call-up of hitherto deferred men; (e) Complaints of long hours in factories and of the difficulty women workers have in getting their domestic duties done.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)

16a. Wages

During the past four weeks there have been complaints about:

  1. High wages (Nine Regions), particularly of the young and unskilled. Various instances are quoted, e.g., a boy of 16 earning £4. 10. 0 a week for starting and stopping an air compressor on open cast mining. Some think it would be better to reduce munition workers' wages instead of giving increases in other categories. Wages, some think, depend on “threats and power, not fairness”.

  2. Disparity in pay (Eight Regions), particularly between: Industrial workers and (i) miners, (ii) servicemen, (iii) agricultural workers; between the unskilled and the skilled; between U.S. and Dominion troops and British servicemen; between U.S. and British nurses.

  3. Low wages (Four Regions), particularly those of: workers in old-established businesses who complain that their wages have not been increased sufficiently to meet the higher cost of living; transferred women workers who have to pay for their billets; skilled workers.

See also Constant Topics, Nos. 8, 9.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)

17. Pay-as-you-earn income tax

During the past three weeks general approval of the scheme has continued (Six Regions), especially among workers whose money is “uneven”; though in Scotland some farmers consider it a “needless complication, as wages are pretty much the same every week”. Comment is again made about:

  1. The additional burden of work and expenditure devolving on employers (Six Regions).

  2. The complication of the system and difficulty of understanding code notices (Four Regions).

  3. The helpful explanatory talks given by Inland Revenue officials (Two Regions).

Some fear is reported that there will be a tendency among agricultural and industrial workers to reduce overtime “when the payment of the tax follows so closely on its heels”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 8. 9. 11)

18. Service pay, allowances and pensions

Comment continues about pay and allowances on the same lines as last week, though to a lesser extent.

Pensions : Anomalies over particular situations are discussed.

(2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. 11. 12. 18 eleven P.D.Rs.)

19. Domestic help

During the past four weeks complaints of the lack of domestic help have again been widespread (Eleven Regions). It is thought the Home Helps Scheme should be more actively organised; and it is suggested that, with many factories on shorter time, it should be possible to form a “domestic corps”.

Those particularly affected by the lack of help are:

  1. The sick and invalids (Seven Regions). Children are being kept from school and younger women have to absent themselves from their jobs to perform domestic duties when mothers and older people are ill, as under present conditions in most cases neighbours cannot give help.

  2. Elderly people (Six Regions).

  3. Young mothers and mothers with large families (Four Regions).

  4. Hospitals (Four Regions).

  5. Professional classes, especially doctors (Four Regions).

  6. Expectant mothers (Two Regions).

  7. War-workers (Three Regions), paid and voluntary.

See also Constant Topics, No. 12.

(1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 11. 12)

20. Holidays

During the past two weeks comment has continued on similar lines to those previously reported.

Workers are said to be exhausted with the “continual nose to the grindstone situation” and it is thought that an “adequate” holiday will be more needed than ever this year.

It is said that holidays at home are not holidays, and that a change of environment is essential. It is hoped that the Government will tackle the problem, particularly for war workers.

The coastal ban and expectation of invasion have raised some doubts as to holiday prospects.

(1. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 12)

Clothing

During the past four weeks complaints have been on a much reduced scale in most Regions. They continue, however, to be about:

  1. No special coupon allowance for household linen.

  2. Insufficient coupons for clothing, particularly for footwear and women's stockings. Housewives are said to have to give up their coupons for their children and for those going to work.

  3. Poor quality of children's footwear.

  4. Difficulty of getting shoes repaired; long delays and poor quality leather are mentioned.

  5. Alleged poor quality of Utility Clothing, particularly women's stockings, corsets and underwear. Some Utility garments are thought to be “so skimped as to be false economy.... the seams break at first wearing”.

  6. “Exorbitant” prices of uncontrolled goods, particularly household linen and bedding.

  7. Shortage of bedding, including sheets, and shortage of children's footwear.

  8. Laundry difficulties.

See also Constant Topics, Nos. 3, 7, 10, 13, 16.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 18 six P.D.Rs.)

22. Furniture

During the past four weeks the high price (Four Regions) of both new and second-hand furniture has been criticised.

(1. 2. 3. 11)

23. Food

Oranges (Seven Regions): Again this week there is appreciation for supplies; also complaint of unequal distribution and bad fruit - large supplies of Seville oranges are said to have gone bad in Northern towns. People think extra sugar should have been supplied for marmalade.

Fish (Five Regions): Though shortage still exists, fish is again said to be in better supply in three Regions.

Jam (Four Regions): The announcement of an increased jam ration has given pleasure.

During the past four weeks general appreciation of “our fortunate food position” has continued (Nine Regions), although there have been complaints of poor distribution (Eleven Regions); diet deficiencies affecting health (Eight Regions); monotony of food and difficulty of obtaining unrationed goods (Five Regions).

Comment is also reported about:

  1. Rations . The cut in the cheese ration has caused disappointment (Eleven Regions), and people complain of inadequate rations of fat (Seven Regions) and sugar (Two Regions). The possibility of a reduced meat ration is causing anxiety (Three Regions).

  2. Points rationing and marmalade on points (Eight Regions). The increase in points allocation is welcomed. Although some people say they have no points to spare for marmalade, others hope to get a better allowance through the change.

  3. Lemons (Seven Regions). People complain of bad distribution and “non-appearance” in some districts. They think lemons should be rationed, as “people with time toured the shops buying up all they could get”.

  4. The small milk allowance (Six Regions) ... the proposed increase is welcomed (Two Regions).

  5. The difficulties of people living alone, and old people (Five Regions). Those living alone cannot provide variety on their points allowance and complain of the small milk allowance. Old people have difficulty in getting suitable food; they feel they should have priority for milk and eggs.

  6. Shortage and high price of vegetables (Four Regions).

  7. National Bread and flour (Four Regions). People are pleased at the announcement of an improvement in the quality of flour, as some think the bread had a harmful effect on health.

There is praise for:

  1. School meals (Three Regions).

  2. Ministry of Food charts showing points values, and “Food Facts” recipes (Three Regions). Some young mothers would like more advice in “Food Facts” about feeding children.

See also Constant Topics, No. 11.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 18)

24. Shopping difficulties and food queues

During the past four weeks complaints have continued of:

  1. Queues (Five Regions), especially for foodstuffs. Housewives who go out to work, and war workers generally, complain of lack of variety because they cannot wait in queues for unrationed goods. They greatly resent women queuers who go from shop to shop, and suggest that pressure should be brought to bear on people to shop in their own areas. Queuing is said to be a “real problem for country women”.

  2. Preferential treatment by shopkeepers and under-the-counter sales (Five Regions)...especially with regard to fish. “Housewives are indignant over fishmongers refusing to sell anything but salted cod, when they see boxes of fresh fish arriving and orders done up for special customers who walk past the queue.”

  3. Early and lunch-time closing of shops (Four Regions). This is a real difficulty for workers, though it is thought as the days lengthen later closing may help matters. Small shopkeepers are said to be a great blessing as they keep open later than the large combines.

  4. The Quota system in shoe shops and the odd hours for sale of shoes (Two Regions).

See also Constant Topics, No. 5.

(1. 2. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 18)

25. Transport

During the past four weeks comment has continued on similar lines to last month's, chief complaints being of:

  1. Inadequate transport services , especially in rural and outlying districts (Seven Regions). Workers particularly are said to complain.

  2. Overcrowding of transport (Seven Regions). Women shoppers, and school children travelling short distances, are thought to aggravate the position.

  3. Workers' buses running half empty (Three Regions). It is asked whether the spare seats could not be made available for ordinary passengers.

  4. Lack of co-ordination between bus and train services, and between one bus service and another (Three Regions).

  5. Inadequate evening and Sunday morning services (Two Regions).

  6. Producer-gas buses (Two Regions). Frequent breakdowns and unpleasant fumes are complained of.

  7. “Old and decrepit” buses which frequently break down , making people late for work (Two Regions).

Appreciation is reported from a Leicestershire district where a workers' bus is now being run; from the Earby area (North Eastern Region), where Sunday transport has been improved; and from housewives on the Braithwaite-Keswick route (North Western Region), where an extra morning bus has been put on.

See also Constant Topics, No. 6.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 12. 18)

25a. Petrol

During the past four weeks there has been much less comment, though it has been on familiar lines:

  1. Misuse of taxis and hired cars (Four Regions): They are said to be used for shopping, pub-crawling, theatres and dog-race meetings and to be unavailable for emergencies at night.

  2. Waste of petrol by Government officials, businessmen, the Army and farmers (Three Regions).

It is asked what is happening to all the petrol stored in the country, especially in view of the improved position at sea. Some think or hope the basic ration will be restored; others feel the position would be eased if more petrol were allowed for essential business journeys - businessmen's present allowed to farmers.

(2. 3. 5. 9)

26. Agriculture

During the past four weeks discussion of the farming controversy has declined but there has been criticism of Mr. Hudson's speeches (Three Regions) at Taunton (February 21) and Tonbridge (March 16). The latter is said to have “got the farmers on the raw again”. There is still “lack of confidence” among farmers, whose main anxiety is for the future. Among the general public there is both the feeling that farmers have little to grumble about at present, and praise for the “grand job they are doing”.

Ploughing and development of land (Five Regions): Some farmers are concerned about the ploughing up of so much land and the depreciation in fertility of the soil. They criticise the application of one rule to the whole country regardless of differing climate and soil, and resent inexperienced officials dictating to experienced farmers who have lived on the land for years and know the conditions.

Labour and wages (Six Regions): The shortage of agricultural workers is thought to be becoming serious and it is strongly felt that no more men should be taken from the land. In one Region there is considerable feeling about the arbitrary way in which women of the Land Army are allocated and moved from one farm to another “without reference either to them or to the farmers' applications”. There is some comment on the need for better wages for farm workers, who themselves complain of low pay in comparison with industrial workers. It is said that some girls are leaving the land for better paid work in towns.

Holiday help (Three Regions) begins to be discussed and it is suggested that more help could be obtained if large industrial firms were properly canvassed, and that more publicity is needed about where to apply for vacancies at camps.

War Agricultural Executive Committees (Three Regions): Some farmers are thought to resent interference by W.A.E.Cs. and to complain of “tyrannical powers” and “extravagant expenditure” (One Region each).

(1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12)

27. Salvage

During the past eight weeks some complaints have continued of the poor arrangements for the collection of salvage (Four Regions). “People cannot understand the urgency for saving when dumps are left long enough for material to spoil.” There are also again complaints of sorted salvage being mixed by dustmen and dumped with all the other rubbish (Two Regions).

The difficulties of housewives in keeping bones and pig food - “which smell and have to be thrown away” - are pointed out, when collections are made at irregular intervals and in some cases rarely more than once a month (Three Regions). An increase in rats in the Midlands Region is attributed to this.

People are still said to be uncertain as to the reason why tins and old metal are no longer required for salvage (Two Regions).

(1. 3. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12)

29. Firewatching, Civil Defence, N.F.S. and Home Guard

Fire Guard Order : Considerable dissatisfaction with the new Order is reported (Five Regions), on grounds of:

(a) Lack of co-ordination between the Fire Guard and other Civil Defence Services (Three Regions). From the London Region there are complaints that the Order “makes the N.F.S. unable to deal with fires, some of which could be seen, until people have run about with bits of paper stating where the fire is”.

An article in a London daily paper that the new Fire Guard plan worked badly in recent raids is also said to have made Fire Guards in the North Midlands Region wonder whether it would work in their area.

(b) Slackness of many firewatchers (Three Regions), particularly conscripts and managerial staff; the latter are said to “know when the Inspector is coming” and only to attend then, and on other nights to fake the attendance register. The regular use of substitutes is also deprecated.

Local authorities are strongly criticised “for not taking a firm line with shirkers”, and it is thought a great weakness of the Order that attendance at lectures and practices outside duty hours is not compulsory.

(c) Confusion in people's minds as to the regulations (Two Regions).

(d) Anomalies and inconsistences (Two Regions). It is said that middle-aged women doing part-time work become liable at their place of employment although they are exempt at home.

(e) Too many duties and wasted time (Two Regions).

(f) The possibility of there being too few firewatchers in big cities if there were heavy incendiary raids (North Midlands Region).

Civil Defence and N.F.S. : Little comment. There is said to be a revived interest in these Services and the personnel are thought to be “more alert” (Two Regions). At the same time there are complaints of “staleness”, wasted time and slackness (Three Regions). It is suggested that both C.D. and N.F.S. personnel should have something to occupy them in their spare time - preferably work of national importance.

Confusion as to whether fire fighting procedure has been changed or not is reported from the London Region; arrangements are thought to have been “a perfect farce”. Complaint also comes from Watford (Eastern Region) that in a recent incendiary raid the N.F.S. arrived too late.

Some doubt is reported (Two Regions) as to whether the Services would function efficiently if need be.

Home Guard (Three Regions): Very little comment. Some speculation is reported as to whether the Home Guard will be called on when the second front opens. Some Home Guards are said to ask when they are to be issued with ammunition. Resentment among some who already do 60 hours a week at their job but cannot get their release from the Home Guard is reported from one Region.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11)

III. MONTHLY SUMMARY OF CONSTANT TOPICS NO. 21

(Covering period from 29th February to 28th March, 1944)

All topics arising for the first time are included in the main Weekly Reports. The following have lost their novelty, while still retaining their importance for large sections of the public. They are arranged according to the frequency with which they have been reported.

No subject has been included to which fewer than nine references have been made during the past month.

1. Tiredness, ill-health and war weariness

9 March Regions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 9. 10. 12.
16 March Regions 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. 12.
23 March Regions 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 12.
30 March Regions 1. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 12.

2. Housing difficulties

(a) Shortage of accommodation

9 March Regions 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 11. 12.
16 March Regions 1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 9. 10. 12.
23 March Regions 1. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12.
30 March Regions 1. 2. 3. 6. 9. 12.

(b) High price of accommodation

9 March Regions 1. 3. 11.
16 March Regions 1. 3. 10. 12.
23 March Regions 7. 9. 10. 12.
30 March Regions 6. 9.

3. Inadequacy of clothing coupons for :

(a) Renewing household goods

9 March Regions 1. 2. 3. 5. 10. 12.
16 March Regions 1. 2. 3. 5. 7. 10. 12.
23 March Regions 1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. 12.
30 March Regions 1. 2. 4. 5. 9. 10. 11. 12.

(b) General

9 March Regions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10. 12.
16 March Regions 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. 12.
23 March Regions 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 9. 12.
30 March Regions 1. 2. 5. 9.

(c) Children

9 March Regions 5. 6.
16 March Regions 1. 5. 6. 10.
23 March Regions 1. 2. 6.
30 March Regions 2. 4. 5. 12.

4. Coal supplies

(a) General shortage

9 March Regions 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 11.
16 March Regions 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 11. 12.
23 March Regions 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 11.
30 March Regions 2. 3. 4. 8. 9. 11.

(b) Poor quality

9 March Regions 1. 3. 5. 6. 7. 10. 11.
16 March Regions 1. 3. 5. 6. 8.
23 March Regions 3. 5. 6. 9. 11.
30 March Regions 1. 9. 11.

(c) Inadequate allowance

9 March Regions 1. 2. 3. 4. 8.
16 March Regions 1. 3. 6.
23 March Regions 1. 2. 4. 8. 9. 11. 12.
30 March Regions 2. 3. 5. 9.

(d) Bad distribution and delayed deliveries

9 March Regions 2. 3. 5. 6. 7.
16 March Regions 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 10. 11. 12.
23 March Regions 2. 4. 5. 9.
30 March Regions 2. 4.

(e) High price

9 March Regions 1. 2. 3. 5. 6.
16 March Regions 3. 5. 12.
23 March Regions 3. 5. 6.
30 March Regions 4. 12.

5. Shopping difficulties and food queues

9 March Regions 1. 2. 5. 8. 10. 11. 12.
16 March Regions 2. 5. 6. 8. 10. 12.
23 March Regions 2. 5. 8. 9. 12.
30 March Regions 1. 2. 5. 8. 9. 12.

6. Transport difficulties

(a) General

9 March Regions 1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 10.
16 March Regions 1. 3. 4. 6. 10.
23 March Regions 2. 3. 5. 10.
30 March Regions 1.

(b) Rural

9 March Regions 2. 6. 10.
16 March Regions 1. 3. 6.
23 March Regions 2. 6. 12.
30 March Regions 2. 6.

7. Footwear difficulties

(a) Poor quality of children's footwear

9 March Regions 1. 2. 3. 5. 6.
16 March Regions 1. 3. 4. 6. 9.
23 March Regions 6. 9.
30 March Regions 1. 4. 6.

(b) Difficulty of getting shoes repaired

9 March Regions 2. 7.
16 March Regions 2. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10.
23 March Regions 1. 3. 7.
30 March Regions Nil.

(c) Shortage of children's footwear

9 March Regions 3.
16 March Regions 2. 10
23 March Regions 9.
30 March Regions 1. 2. 6. 9.

8. High wages

9 March Regions 1. 3. 13.
16 March Regions 2. 3. 6. 10. 11.
23 March Regions 3. 8.
30 March Regions 3. 9.

9. Disparities in pay

9 March Regions 1. 2. 5. 13.
16 March Regions 3. 11.
23 March Regions 3. 8. 11.
30 March Regions 3. 10.

10. Criticism of Utility clothing

9 March Regions 1. 3. 7.
16 March Regions 2. 4. 5.
23 March Regions 4. 7.
30 March Regions 1. 6. 11.

11. Inadequacy of fat ration

9 March Regions 5. 6. 8.
16 March Regions 1. 12.
23 March Regions 3. 5.
30 March Regions 4. 5. 8. 10.

SHORTAGES

12. Shortage of domestic help

9 March Regions 1. 3. 7. 8. 11.
16 March Regions 1. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
23 March Regions 1. 4. 6. 7. 9. 10. 12.
30 March Regions 4. 6. 10. 12.

13. Shortage of Fish

9 March Regions 1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
16 March Regions 1. 2. 5. 6. 12.
23 March Regions 1. 2. 4. 5. 9.
30 March Regions 4. 6. 8.

14. Shortage of batteries

(a) Torch

9 March Regions 1. 2. 4. 6. 10. 11.
16 March Regions 1. 2. 4. 10. 12.
23 March Regions 2. 6. 10.
30 March Regions 2. 12.

(b) Cycle

9 March Regions 1. 2. 6. 11.
16 March Regions 1. 3.
23 March Regions 2. 10.
30 March Regions 2.

15. Shortage and high price of crockery, glass and kitchenware

9 March Regions 1. 6. 10.
16 March Regions 1. 2. 3. 10.
23 March Regions 1. 2. 8. 10.
30 March Regions 1. 4. 10.

16. Shortage of bedding, including sheets

9 March Regions 4. 5. 7. 12.
16 March Regions 4. 7. 10.
23 March Regions 8.
30 March Regions 5. 6.

17. Shortage of matches

9 March Regions 4. 10.
16 March Regions 2.
23 March Regions 1. 2. 3.
30 March Regions 2. 4. 6.

The following subjects, included in this list last month, are now omitted as there have been fewer than nine references to them during the past month: (i) Smallness of present milk ration (ii) Waste or misuse of petrol (iii) Preferential treatment by shopkeepers and conditional sales to the public (iv) Shortage of razor blades (v) Shortage of shoe polish

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