§ Major A. Jonesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that delays of up to 12 months are occurring in the delivery of surgical boots; and whether he is proposing to take steps to reduce such delays.
§ Sir S. CrippsI am aware that there are serious delays in fulfilling orders. The main difficulty is shortage of skilled labour, associated with an increasing demand. Arrangements have been made with the Ministry of Labour to encourage skilled workers to return to the making of surgical footwear wherever possible. I cannot, however, hold out the prospect of any rapid improvement.