HC Deb 10 December 1946 vol 431 c204W
102. Mr. Randall

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the delay, often as long as a year, being experienced in obtaining surgical boots and shoes for those with foot disabilities, he will consider transferring some of the labour in the boot and shoe industry and training them for this vital work.

Mr. Isaacs

Bespoke and surgical boot and shoe making is a specialised employment and no useful purpose, therefore, would be served by encouraging the transfer of factory operatives to this work. In agreement with the industry, training has for some time been given to a number of new entrants in hand-sewn boot and shoe making with the object of placing them after training with firms engaged in bespoke and surgical boot and shoe manufacture.