§ 21. Mr. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for War how many National Service men during the last ten years have been exempted, for the duration of their service in the Army, from wearing ammunition boots on account of foot ailments; and how many National Service men are serving today, though exempted from wearing ammunition boots
§ Mr. SoamesNobody is accepted for service in the Army if he is incapable of wearing boots. It sometimes happens that after he has been trained a soldier develops a moderate degree of foot trouble and is allowed to stay on; but the number of National Service men in this category is very small. No statistical record is kept.
§ Mr. NabarroHas it not been the practice for many years past that National Service men, in respect of minor foot ailments, are permitted not to wear ammunition boots, but to wear plimsolls, for example? Would not my right hon. Friend be prepared to confirm that corns and callouses, for example, are very mild forms of foot ailments which should not deter a man from undertaking National Service?
§ Mr. SoamesThere are very many degrees of foot troubles, and I would not like to go into them.