HC Deb 18 February 1946 vol 419 cc174-5W
Mr. P. Freeman

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the case of a woman, in Newport, details of which are being sent him, who purchased a pair of shoes for her child, aged 11 years, and paid 17s. for them and which fell to pieces after four days' wear and were returned to the makers; and, in view of the high cost and the number of coupons surrendered, if he will now take steps to improve the quality of children's shoes.

Sir S. Cripps

I am having this particular case fully investigated and I will communicate further with my hon. Friend. I cannot, however, agree that, even if this complaint were justified, any generalisation about the quality of children's shoes could legitimately be drawn from it.

Lieut.-Colonel Price-White

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make protective working boots available to slate quarrymen, without surrender of coupons, in view of the fact that such a concession is granted to coal miners and that the industrial 10 coupons cover clothing only.

Sir S. Cripps

No, Sir. I cannot see my way to extend this concession to workers in slate quarries. The Industrial Ten supplement can be used for protective boots and other kinds of footwear, as well as for clothing.