§ 14. Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any statement to make with regard to his recent investigation into the manufacture of children's footwear of poor quality?
§ 20. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any statement to make on the steps taken to improve the quantity and quality of children's shoes?
§ Mr. DaltonYes, Sir. I have been much concerned lately 'by complaints regarding children's shoes. I, therefore, spent two days, earlier this month, in conferences with manufacturers and operatives, and in visits to factories, in the counties of Leicester and Northampton. I am satisfied that most manufacturers, despite the shortage of labour and materials, are producing children's shoes of good quality. I shall continue to do all that is possible to keep manufacturers up to the mark. I have decided that, as from 1st November, all outdoor footwear, non-utility as well as utility, shall bear the maker's identification mark. I have also decided to increase to 75 per cent. the proportion of children's shoes which must be made according to utility specification. My inspectors pay frequent visits to factories to investigate methods of production and to discuss with manufacturers how the quality of their output can be improved. I shall not hesitate to deal severely with any manufacturer whose output is consistently of bad quality.
§ Mr. MorrisonWhat effect does the right hon. Gentleman think his statement will have upon the harassed mother of several children who finds very great difficulty in making her coupons go round, because of the rapidity with which her children's shoes wear out?
§ Mr. DaltonI hope it will mean that the future quality of children's shoes will be better.
Viscountess AstorIs the inspector who looks after children's shoes a man or a woman? That is very important.
§ Mr. DaltonI do not think it is very important. I am sure the inspectors are competent to do their work.