Hi Bernard,
Possibly due to the period. After the war, more items were rationed, than had been during the war itself.
Rationing did not, as many seem to assume, apply only to food, tyres, alcohol, and much more were covered. Those nine years after the end of hostilities in Europe, were hard for many. Certainly food-wise, the last items were de-restricted, only in May and June 1954.
I have not been able to find much else, but I think post-war austerity measures are likely to have been a major factor.
Regards,
Marcus