Boots

HC Deb 31 March 1958 vol 585 cc83-4W

57. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Minister of Supply what steps he is taking to dispose of the 1,250,000 surplus pairs of boots.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

The number of boots to be declared surplus has not been finally decided by the War Office but in the meantime my Department is considering how disposal could most profitably be effected.

58. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Supply how many pairs of men's boots are now on order for any other Government Department; and how many boots it is estimated will be ordered within the next two years.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

10,867 pairs, all of which are for special purposes; there are no orders for general service boots. The Service Departments have not yet indicated to me their requirements and therefore their orders for future years.

Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Supply if he will consider informing the National Coal Board and other large industrial undertakings of the 1,250,000 pairs of soldiers' boots which appear to be surplus to the Army's requirements, with a view to obtaining some financial recoupment against what appears a complete loss.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

Yes.