HC Deb 10 July 1940 vol 362 cc1159-60
38. Mr. Stokes

asked the Minister of Supply why the offer of a firm to treat free of charge to the Government 1,000 pairs of boots has been refused, in view of the fact that such treatment lasts only three days, and that it is claimed that this process of leather treatment multiplies the life of the boot by five?

Mr. H. Morrison

The offer has not been refused, but it was accompanied by insufficient particulars of the process, and the firm has been asked to give full details.

Mr. Stokes

If the process is a success, will it be the right hon. Gentleman's intention to apply it universally?

Mr. Morrison

So far as I am concerned, at any rate, before this is decided I must be satisfied that it is a success. I cannot accept statements of that kind at their prima facie value until they have been investigated.

Mr. Stokes

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this process has been tried outside the Services and found successful?

Mr. Morrison

It has not been tried by the Ministry of Supply, and, until it has, the Minister is not going to give a decision. I am willing to investigate it and have asked for investigation.

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