HC Deb 02 November 1943 vol 393 cc503-4
18. Mr. Arthur Hollins

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue permits to Stoke-on-Trent education authority for supplies of leather for the repairing of boots of schoolchildren in some of the senior schools and boys' clubs, in view of the fact that boot repairing shops are working to a maximum, with long periods being required for repairs, such permits to be approved by His Majesty's inspectors of schools?

Mr. Dalton

In view of the shortage of leather, supplies to schools and boys' clubs for repairs could only be made at the expense of skilled repairers, and I do not think that, in these circumstances, I should be justified in adopting my hon. Friend's suggestion. I have asked for a special report on the position in Stoke-on-Trent from my Regional Director of Footwear Repairs, and I will communicate again with my hon. Friend.