HC Deb 17 July 1946 vol 425 c216W
Mr. Osborne

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is aware that there are large stocks of wartime produced shoes, under-soled with Balata belting, in the retailers' hands which are practically unsaleable; and if he will consider allowing these to be sold free of coupons;

(2) how much under-employment there is in the firms manufacturing miners' and other heavy nailed boots; and, in view of the large surplus stocks, if he will make them saleable free of coupons and so increase employment in this branch of the industry.

Sir S. Cripps

As I informed the hon. Member for Bucklow (Mr. W. Shepherd) on Monday last, I am considering the general question of the pointing of footwear. Heavy working boots are one of the main items I have in mind. I have already given permission for the unlimited export of these boots, and, if I find I can make some coupon concession, the employment position in this industry will, no doubt, be further benefited.