§ 41. Mr. T. J. Brooksasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that nine coupons have to be surrendered for surgical boots supplied by the Ministry of Pensions to injured ex-Servicemen; and if he will consider removing this hardship.
§ Sir S. CrippsSurgical boots are rationed because they are worn instead of ordinary boots or shoes, and the same number of coupons have to be surrendered in both cases. I allow extra coupons, however, to ex-Servicemen and others who have to discard their ordinary footwear when they are first advised to wear a special surgical kind and who have to provide themselves with an initial supply.
§ Mr. BrooksIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in many cases, these 1671 men have to purchase a great many more boots than other people, and that they have to take the coupons from their families? Does he think that is quite fair? Is it not a great hardship?
§ Sir S. CrippsThis matter has been very carefully considered, and that is why arrangements were made, where an initial change takes place, to give extra coupons.