November 16, 1942

CUTS IN CONSUMER GOODS ORDERED

Fewer Varieties for Greater War Output

WASHINGTON. D.C.—The director of the Office of Economic Stabilization James F. Byrnes yesterday called for implementation of a program to increase the amount of production capacity for war matériel by reducing the “…frills and wasteful practices…” in production of civilian consumer goods through limiting the number of models and varieties offered. Byrnes stated, “By reducing the number of varieties, styles, and models, eliminating unnecessary cost, decoration, fancy packaging, and the like, we can clear the way for a fuller production of basic materials.” As part of the program, the director has requested of the Office of Civilian Supply a determination of “…our bed-rock minimum civilian needs consistent with the fullest war production,” although it is not the intention of the program or the director to reduce civilian uses to the minimum levels.