HC Deb 04 August 1943 vol 391 cc2299-300
61. Sir Granville Gibson

asked the Minister of Supply the total number of boots discarded by each of the three Fighting Services from the outbreak of war to 31st December, 1941, and the total sales to dealers made by each Service during that period; the total number discarded by each of the three Fighting Services from 1st January, 1942, to 30th June, 1943; the total quantity sold to dealers by each Service and the total number handed over by each Service to the Ministry during that period; and, of the boots handed over by such Services to the Ministry, what percentages have been rebuilt, repaired, clogged, sold for fertiliser purposes, sold to dealers or destroyed, and what number remained to be dealt with on 30th June, 1943?

The Minister of Supply (Sir Andrew Duncan)

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Sir G. Gibson

Has there been a change of policy in respect of the sale of discarded boots since January, 1942, up to which time they had been disposed of in this way? Is it the intention of the Ministry of Supply not to dispose of any further quantities to private individuals or firms?

Sir A. Duncan

Yes, Sir, as I indicated, no discarded Service boots are now being sold to the trade.

Sir G. Gibson

Does my right hon. Friend intend not to dispose of any for sale in future?

Sir A. Duncan

Yes, Sir, that is what I intend.

Following is the information:

Completely reliable information is not available in regard to the number of boots discarded by each of the three Fighting Services during the two periods mentioned. The total sales to dealers made by the Ministry of Supply during these two periods was 1,123,750 pairs and 232,700 pairs respectively. The total number of pairs of boots handed over by each Service to the Ministry during the latter of the two periods is approximately as follows:

Navy … … 40,000
Army … … 3,000,000
Air Force … … 717,000
Of the boots handed over during this period, 30 per cent. have been rebuilt, 13 per cent. have been repaired, none have been clogged, about ½ per cent. sold for fertiliser purposes, 6 per cent. sold to dealers and about 13 per cent. destroyed, after recovery of all usable parts. 1,339,000 pairs remained to be dealt with at 30th June, 1943, and approximately half of this number was in process of sorting and grading.