§ 86. Mr. J. Morrisonasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the percentage increase that has been permitted in the cost of boot and shoe repairs since 1939; what has been the percentage rise in the cost of leather; in other requirements for repairs; and in wages over the same period.
§ Mr. BottomleyFor repairs with leather, a repairer, other than a factory repairer, may add 8¾d. in the shilling (72.9 per cent.) to the charge he made for a similar repair in 1939; for repairs with other materials, he may add 5½d. in the316W shilling (45.8 per cent.). The corresponding increases on 1939 charges which may be made by repair factories are 8¼d. and 5d. in the shilling respectively. I have no accurate information in the form in which the hon. Member asks for it in the latter parts of his Question, but an investigation of costs in this industry is now in progress.