§ 30 and 33. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked (1) whether new tenders are out for naval boots; will he give the date when these tenders were issued; whether they contain an all-British specification; and, if not, what specification they do contain; and (2) whether he is aware that a recent tender for Navy boots contains the condition that the uppers are to be cut from well-dressed chrome-tanned English or other box-calf; whether he is aware that this alternative will allow foreign leather to be used and foreign leather workers to be employed in lieu of British workmen; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAInvitations to tender for seamen's boots were issued on the 9th March. The specification, as usual, provides for British sole leather, but admits of either British or foreign box-calf for the upper, provided it is equal in quality to the upper leather (British) in the pattern exhibited. A memorandum accompanied the invitation intimating that upper leather of box-calf of slightly reduced substance will be admitted, the reason for this being that British tanners can more readily produce the lighter substance. Restrictions to British calf might render it impossible to obtain the quantities required.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British leather manufacturers have intimated that they are able to supply all the leather necessary from British sources?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI cannot recall that, but if we are restricted to British calf now, time is so important that we might not obtain the boots quick enough.
§ 34. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to a letter issued from the Admiralty, dated 3rd March, 1915, addressed to the contractors for naval boots, wherein it is stated, if the contractor finds any difficulty at the present time in adhering to the pattern and specification, he is requested to state whether he would be better able to tender if any departure from the pattern were allowed, and that in such case he is requested to suggest any departure which would facilitate the production of these boots and would at the same time give a sound, serviceable article for marching and 1736 field-service wear; whether the specification accompanying the letter states that the outer soles are to be cut from the primest parts of good British-tanned bends or butts; will he say whether the statement in the letter, dated 3rd March, 1915, enables the contractor to substitute foreign sole leather in lieu of British; and, if so, is that the intention and wish of the Admiralty?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe boot referred to in this question is the Service marching boot, a heavier boot both as regards sole and upper than the boots referred to in the two previous questions of the hon. Gentleman. The letter of the 3rd March was issued owing to the temporary necessity of allowing some latitude, not necessarily in the description of leather but primarily in the method of make of the boot, in consequence of the enormous demand and the extreme urgency of supply. At the present juncture, rigid adherence to all the usual stipulations, which will, however, certainly continue to be imposed when matters resume their normal condition, would seriously prejudice the naval and military interests of the Allied Forces.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIf I undertake to produce manufacturers who will promise all the goods necessary, made of British leather, will he undertake that the Admiralty will take the matter into their serious consideration and give the order?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI always do take into serious consideration what the hon. Member says, but I cannot give any undertaking.