HC Deb 06 July 1943 vol 390 cc1923-4
38. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider making a free issue of boots to Army cadets?

Mr. A. Henderson

I regret that the supply position does not enable such an issue to be made.

Sir T. Moore

As my hon. and learned Friend knows, these cadets are now attached to and are doing their training to a large extent with the Home Guard, and does he not therefore think that in the interests of the cadets and of their training the same treatment with regard to equipment and clothing should be given to them?

Mr. Henderson

Whatever view I might take, I am afraid I must face up to the factual position, and that is that there is a shortage and that there must be some regard to priorities.

Sir Granville Gibson

How can there be a shortage of boots when new contracts for Army boots and for leather for uppers of Army boots are being placed for greatly reduced quantities? There are millions of pairs in stock.

Mr. Henderson

I take it there has been a shortage of boots in relation to the demand.

Mr. Stokes

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that 500,000 pairs of secondhand Army boots have been sold to a dealer in Manchester?