62. Mr. De la Bèreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the importance of clean stump socks to disabled ex-Servicemen and as any failure to ensure strict cleanliness results in sores and ill-health, he will give an assurance that an adequate supply of these stump socks will be made available to all the limb-fitting centres of the hospitals throughout the country.
§ Sir S. CrippsYes, Sir. Special steps have already been taken to increase the production of stump socks, and limited quantities are also being imported. Although a shortage of skilled labour is the main difficulty, I have every hope that we shall be able to meet current demands and make early inroad into the present arrears.
Mr. De la BèreIn view of the fact that we owe such an enormous debt of gratitude to these disabled ex-Servicemen, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman take care to ensure that in future every possible relief is given to these 'men to see that at no time are they really short of the necessities?
§ Sir S. CrippsI agree that we should give special consideration to these men.