§ 22. Mr. Arthur Allenasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the need for footwear, both for home and export, boot and shoe factories will be derequisitioned in order to allow of the necessary expansion of output of such footwear.
§ Sir S. CrippsYes, Sir. Over 100 factories have already been restored to footwear production and I intend to continue to press for the derequisitioning of premises wherever I am satisfied that the material and labour can be made available for their operation.
§ 23. Mr. Arthur Allenasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the working party for the boot and shoe industry has met; and whether he is satisfied that he is receiving the co-operation of the manufacturers in the matter.
§ Sir S. CrippsYes, Sir; the first meeting of the working party for the boot and shoe industry was held in Kettering on Tuesday, 23rd October, and I am satisfied that all parties are co-operating wholeheartedly in the work that has to be done.