HC Deb 17 March 1942 vol 378 cc1351-2W
Mr. Broad

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the continued shortage of rubber footwear for children; and whether he will make arrangements for larger imports of the manufacture in this country of an increased proportion of children's rubber footwear?

Mr. Dalton

I regret that available rubber supplies do not permit the maintenance of home production of rubber footwear for children at the former level. Nor can we now expect further shipments from overseas. I hope, however, to arrange for the production of a certain quantity in this country.

Mr. Broad

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to secure an increase in the proportion of boys' boots manufactured, with a view to mitigating the present shortage?

Mr. Dalton

The production of boys' boots and shoes has been increased in the last year and is now near the peace-time level. This should satisfy any reasonable demand. It is not possible to spare labour and raw materials to increase production further.