HC Deb 16 June 1942 vol 380 cc1364-5
25. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider sanctioning an issue of two pairs of socks per annum for the Home Guard?

Sir J. Grigg

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Forfar (Captain Shaw) on 21st April.

Sir A. Knox

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration that the boots issued to the Home Guard are unsuitable to wear with civilian socks? As these men give their time to the country for nothing, surely the country can give them two pairs of socks?

Sir J. Grigg

I will be very grateful if my hon. and gallant Friend will look at the answer to which I have referred him.

Sir T. Moore

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the leather of which these Service boots are made is so rough inside that socks are worn out even by the mere process of putting on and taking off the boots?

Sir A. Knox

Will the right hon. Gentleman wear a pair of these boots and run up and down in them?