§ 36. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for War for what reason a 9¼ years' stock of boots and half-soles is maintained; what will be the number of pairs of boots for sale as surplus stock; how they will be disposed of; how long they have been in stock; and what was their cost to his Department.
§ Mr. SoamesUntil recently stocks were maintained to allow for 4¼ years' issue in peace time with a backing equivalent to 5 years' stock as a reserve for mobilisation. In future we are to reduce the war reserves and also run down our normal stocks to a low level before reordering. At present there are about 1¼ million pairs of boots surplus. About half of them have been in stock for 8 years and the rest for up to 16 years. Their cost was about £2 million. The method of disposal is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply.