§ 9. Mr. LEWIS HASLAMasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether toe-plates are not being applied to the soles of Army boots when issued, and that officers state that an economy? would be effected by their application; will he state whether Army boots are being issued frequently or generally with out metal protection being applied to the soles; will he cause inquiries to be made among officers and men having had practical experience on active service as to the desirability of such application; is he aware that metal toe-plates are frequently supplied at the Front for repairs, and that such repairs would not be so soon needed if they were applied before the boots were issued; and whether the French soldiers are supplied with boots on the soles of which nails or other metallic means for preventing wear are applied?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONWith the exception of boots for men in the Mechanical Transport, all Army boots are now fitted with toe-plates and heel-plates as well as hobnails in heel and sole; the outer sole is steel billed, to save wear. Boots are fitted in accordance with the indications of the military authorities in the field. I am not aware of the practice of the French authorities in regard to the fitting of their boots.