§ 3. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Supply what offers he has invited from Russia for the purchase of the 1 million pairs of surplus boots.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. W. J. Taylor)None, directly; but the Ministry of Supply is in consultation with the Board of Trade regarding the countries which are most likely to provide a market for the boots. They will be advertised accordingly.
§ Mr. ChetwyndIs there no initiative in the Ministry of Supply? Is the Department not aware that the Prime Minister is in Moscow at this time and is pushing a natty line in gentlemen's hats? Would it not be a good idea if he could push these boots as well? Would they not be useful to the Russians in raising their consumer standards, and might they not also provide a market in the future for Russia to buy boots here? Will not the right hon. Gentleman do more about it, or will these boots go green in store and rot?
§ Mr. TaylorAt the moment, the Russians appear to be interested more in hats than in boots. I am also aware that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is the arbiter in many matters besides hats. I understand, however, that people in Russia and the satellite countries wear leather jackboots in summer and padded felt boots in winter. The Chinese wear canvas in summer and padded felt boots of the jackboot type in winter. We have not, therefore, approached these countries. If they are interested in purchasing the boots for their civilian markets, they will have an opportunity to tender.
§ Mr. MasonWhat initiative has the Minister taken to get rid of these boots? Soon we can envisage that he will himself be getting the boot on this matter.
§ Mr. TaylorI have already made inquiries, both of the home trade and in many other directions, as to the best course we can take in disposing of these boots. One of the considerations to be taken into account was that we did not want to upset the home trade. Therefore, we are proceeding on the lines indicated.