§ 75. Mr. Prescottasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the excessive cost of leather and other materials required in boot repairing; of the hardship involved to many persons in the lower class incomes; and what steps he is taking in this matter.
§ Mr. BottomleyI am fully aware of the increased cost of leather and other materials used in boot repairing. These increases are mainly due to the world increase in the price of raw materials such as hides, where there has been a rise of more than 100 per cent. since last June.