§ 30. Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that limbless men are still having to wait a considerable time before they are able to obtain stump socks; and whether he will take action to increase the supply.
§ The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Marquand)I am glad to say that, apart from occasional temporary shortages of a particular size of stump sock, supply is now immediate. Production has increased four-fold as compared with two years ago and is expected shortly to show a further substantial rise as the result of special steps that have been taken.
§ Commander MaitlandIs the Minister aware that there is still a very great need for increasing the supply of these socks, and will he keep his Ministry up to the mark about this?
§ Mr. MarquandYes, Sir. I have devoted some personal attention to this matter since I took office, and I am satisfied that very rapid progress is now being made.
§ Lord Willoughby de EresbyWill the Minister say whether the quality of the socks will be improved, as well as the supply?
§ Mr. MarquandThat is a matter which we are also looking into. There has been some difficulty owing to the change of producers, and certain difficulties in regard to the supply of materials since the war ended, but I feel that we shall have reached a marked improvement very shortly.