§ 69. Mr. Wootton-Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of clog-bottoms in parts of Lancashire, such as Heywood and Radcliffe, with the result that workers in the factories can neither have them repaired or buy new ones, so that their footwear is in a deplorable condition, while children are being kept away from school for the same reason; that complaints on the subject for the last three months have not met with any response; and whether he will at once take remedial action?
§ Captain WaterhouseThe position in Heywood has recently been investigated, and a considerable shortage was found to exist there. Steps have been taken to see that Heywood gets its fair share of clogsoles. There is, however, a general 1945 shortage which arises from greatly increased demand for industrial purposes in many areas. To meet this, production has already been increased by over 70 per cent. compared with 1941, and I hope to obtain a further increase. There are, however, many difficulties of labour, timber, and manufacturing capacity.