§ 60. Mr. HURDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the Government hold stocks of leather in this country or elsewhere; and if they are now making or have recently made further purchases of leather in the United States, India, or elsewhere?
Mr. HOPEThe Government hold in this country stocks of certain classes of leather mainly of a quality suitable for Army requirements and war-time boots. They are now purchasing in the United States, in agreement with the leather trade, a limited quantity of those qualities of high-grade upper leather, of which supplies are very short, and which are essential for the revival of the boot-manufacturing industry. The only other leather being bought consists of Indian tanned hides, the three months' notice necessary for the termination of the buying arrangements in India not having yet expired.