§ 17. Lieut.-Colonel Hareasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will provide other ranks in the Army with coupons for the purchase of shoes in order that men can take advantage of the present War Office walking-out regulations.
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir. While this suggestion has my sympathy, a concession on these lines is not possible so long as supplies of shoes are as short as they are at present.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HareWould the Minister consider consulting the Secretary of State for War to verify the facts? This refusal of special coupons for the purchase of shoes is very serious in the Forces and they cannot take advantage of these Regulations with regard to walking out.
§ Sir S. CrippsI am well aware of the difficulties in purchasing shoes, but we cannot take them from civilians for that reason.