HC Deb 18 May 1977 vol 932 cc159-60W
Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if Service boots and shoes are treated with sperm whale oil; and, if so, for what reason.

Dr. Gilbert

There is no Ministry of Defence specification which calls for the use of sperm whale oil during manufacture of footwear or as a treatment for storage or preservative purposes. I am looking into the extent to which industry uses this substance on defence contracts.