§ 9. Mr. Yatesasked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the continued shortage of children's shoes in Birmingham, whether he will take immediate steps to ensure that Birmingham receives its fair share of available supplies.
§ Sir S. CrippsI am satisfied, from the information given by my area distribution officers, who keep a close watch on the distribution of goods in limited supply, that Birmingham is receiving its fair share of the available supplies of children's shoes.
§ Mr. YatesIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that there are no Wellingtons, sandals or gym, shoes available in Birmingham, which is causing a great strain on the supply of ordinary shoes? Is he aware that, in one instance, it was necessary to turn away 100 regular customers, and that children are having to go to school without proper footwear? Will he take steps to increase these supplies so as to ease the demand on the ordinary supplies of shoes?
§ Sir S. CrippsWe are taking every step necessary to increase the supply of children's shoes. If my hon. Friend will give me details of the case he has in mind, I will look into it.
§ Mr. LipsonWill my right hon. and learned Friend take steps to improve the quality of the shoes?
§ 10. Captain George Jegerasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will extend to nurses the facilities for obtaining shoes, at present enjoyed by women officers in His Majesty's forces.
§ Sir S. CrippsI regret that I cannot give one group of civilians special priority. I appreciate that nurses may have difficulty in buying suitable shoes, but the only remedy is increasing production. I am doing all I can to secure this, including types of shoes suitable for nurses.