§ 28. Mr. Boydenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the need to improve the employ- 622 ment situation in the boot and shoe industry, he will increase his Department's purchase of boots and shoes so that all inmates of penal institutions can be provided with hygienic and comfortable footwear.
§ Mr. WoodhousePrisoners' footwear is made in prison workshops. It would be wasteful to provide every short-term prisoner with a new pair of shoes, but part-worn shoes are not issued unless they are serviceable, and the present arrangements do not constitute any danger to health.
§ Mr. BoydenThat is a very complacent answer. Has the hon. Gentleman ever inspected the sort of footwear which a great many prisoners are compelled to wear? If not, will he do so?
§ Mr. WoodhouseThis is not a complacent Answer. It is a factual Answer to the Question as put.