HC Deb 12 December 1944 vol 406 cc1051-2
71. Mr. Tinker

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is a shortage of clogs worn by the miners in Lancashire and of the material to repair them; and will he examine this matter to see if he will take steps to improve the supplies.

Captain Waterhouse

No, Sir, I am not aware of any general shortage of clogs or clog soles, but I am making inquiries into the position in Lancashire and will communicate with my hon. Friend when I have received a report.

Mr. Tinker

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman inquire why there is such a shortage of clogs and the materials with which to repair them in various parts of Lancashire? Is it not a fact that men have to stay away from their work because their clogs cannot be soled properly? I would like the Minister to make a full inquiry in order to see whether there is any ground for the shortage.

Captain Waterhouse

I should be very glad to have any information the hon. Member can give me. The production of clogs has been very materially increased, and we have had no complaints.

Mr. Tinker

If I give him particulars of a specific case, will he look into it?

Captain Waterhouse

I will have inquiries made in the matter.

Mr. T. Brown

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, prior to and during the early years of the war, miners always had an extra pair of clogs, what is called the spare pair, but that, owing to rationing restrictions, these have not been replaced? Would it not be a step in the right direction to consider ways and means of again providing miners with a spare pair?

Captain Waterhouse

I am afraid that miners, like other sections of the community, have had to forgo many things which they had before the war. We are doing our best to increase supplies, subject to labour and materials, which in this matter are dreadfully short.