§ Sir C. Edwardsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that many pairs of boots and shoes are locked up in Government stores, whilst many people are badly in need of them; and if he will take steps to have them distributed in such a way that the whole country, where there is need, shall have access to them.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithI have made arrangements for all surplus Government rubber boots to be released to the public through ordinary trade channels as fast as they can be inspected and, if necessary, cleaned or reconditioned. The main stocks of surplus footwear consist of heavy boots, of which there is no great shortage in supplies available for the home market, and these are either being returned to the Services after reconditioning or are being used to meet urgent relief requirements.