98. Sir F. HALLasked the Undersecretary of State for War if leather boots are supplied to German prisoners of war in this country; whether English prisoners in Germany are generally furnished with wooden clogs as footwear when their boots need renewing; and if, in view of the shortage of leather, he will consider as to adopting the same practice in the case of German prisoners?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The boots issued to German prisoners of war are old Army boots which are unfit to be repaired for issue to the troops. New boots, or boots which can be made serviceable for Army purposes, are never issued. Clogs are issued whenever the supply of old Army boots is insufficient. This arrangement is more economical than to issue wooden clogs on all occasions.