§ 44. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is taking steps to relieve the serious shortage of wood for clog soles in the Westhoughton district, which is likely to adversely affect the attendance of miners at their employment; and whether, in future allocations of wood for this purpose, he will bear in mind that men following certain mining occupations wear out one clog quicker than the other?
§ Mr. DaltonThere is a general shortage of clog soles, owing to greatly increased demand, but output has already risen by over 70 per cent. compared with 1941, and I hope to raise it still further. The final point to which my hon. Friend refers will be borne in mind.
§ Mr. DaviesAre we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman will see that clog soles are provided soon for this district, because some men may be unable to go to work?
§ Mr. DaltonYes, Sir, I am doing my utmost, and, as I have said, we have made a big increase compared with 1941.