§ 55. Mr. Kirbyasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that many 801 females desirous of working voluntarily on the land during their holidays hesitate to do so because of their need for strongly-built shoes to procure which they have to surrender clothing coupons; and will he try to make special arrangements for shoes in such cases to be obtained free of coupons or by the issue of special coupons to such volunteers.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)I regret that, in view of the very limited supplies of footwear available, coupon-free shoes cannot be provided for women who volunteer for work on the land during their holidays.
§ Mr. KirbyIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware of the very severe disappointment that reply will cause to the Minister of Agriculture, who is sitting alongside him?
§ Captain WaterhouseI am aware that this answer will not be popular. Unfortunately such concessions could not be confined to women, and the available supply of footwear is not sufficient to make it general.