§ 21. Mr. Gallacherasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give further consideration to the request from the miners of Michael Colliery, East Wemyss, for an increased supply of leather for the repair of miners' boots at the special service set up for the purpose.
§ Mr. H. WilsonNo, Sir. I cannot treat the licensed shoe repairer at Michael Colliery more generously than other long established repairers in this area without 1147 unfairness to them. As has been explained to the hon. Member, the same treatment has been given to this colliery repairer as to any other person setting up a new repair business.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is one of the largest and most productive pits in the country, and that boots are urgently essential to the miners? Is he aware that this shoemaker is only getting sufficient leather to keep going for one day a week and is only able to repair a very small number of the miners' boots at that pit? Will he not give them a priority of some kind to ensure that more of these boots are mended?
§ Mr. WilsonWe cannot treat this repairer any more favourably than any older established repairers in the area.