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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Mar 1943

Vol. 89 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shortage of Strong Boots and Repairing Materials.

asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware of the serious shortage of strong boots for working men; also of the difficulty of getting leather, sprigs and hemp for patching and repairing such boots, and if he will take steps to ensure the manufacture of a sufficiency of these boots to meet the normal requirements of the working man and also secure as far as possible the necessary repairing outfit.

I am aware that there has been a reduction in the quantity of heavy boots available for working men. This is due to reduced production resulting from the shortage of certain raw materials. I am also aware that boot repairers are experiencing difficulty in getting sufficient supplies of repairing requisites. In the case of leather, I understand that the tanners have increased their deliveries to the repair trade considerably above pre-war level, but it appears that these additional supplies are not sufficient to meet the greatly increased demand for repairs. My Department is at present investigating the matter with a view to seeing how the needs of the repair trade can best be met and whether there is any possibility of increasing the output of heavy types.

The supply of sprigs and hemp presents much greater difficulty under present arrangements. Every effort is being made to secure increased supplies of sprigs for the repair trade. A substitute for hemp is now being manufactured in this country and limited supplies are being distributed through the usual trade channels.

The Minister does not seem to hold out any hope that there will be an increase in the supply of strong boots for working men, at least in the immediate future. Would it be possible for the Minister to see that the manufacturers will concentrate on supplying strong boots for the men who are in the front line trenches at the moment producing much-needed foodstuffs and let those who are accustomed to using lighter boots content themselves with supplies now available and with whatever can be done in the way of repairs for the time being?

The leather used in the manufacture of lighter boots would not be of much use in the manufacture of strong boots such as the Deputy has in mind. I would not like to say that there is no possibility of an increase in the supply of strong boots. Arrangements are being made to establish such control over production as will ensure that the maximum output of heavy boots will be effected. Of course, that will be determined largely by the supply of the necessary materials.

I understand that the tanneries have ample supplies of strong leather, and yet the manufacturers are not producing the strong boots. Is that true?

It is not true.

We have got that information.

The supply of sole leather is good; we have nearly all the sole leather we require. The supply of upper leather, while it is good, is not sufficient to cover full requirements. The demand for sole leather for repairs is much heavier than in ordinary times because of the absence of protectors, and the like.

If there is any hope of increasing production, will the Minister see that the output of strong boots will be increased?

Certainly.

Is the Minister aware that in certain districts no sole leather has been received for almost three months? Is he satisfied that there is an equitable distribution of the sole leather available? Is he aware that a number of boot repairing shops have closed down because they were not able to get supplies of sole leather from the wholesalers or manufacturers?

It is quite possible that there is a scarcity of sole leather in certain districts, but supplies are distributed through the normal trade channels. The actual quantity of sole leather being distributed for repairs is nearly 200 per cent. of the pre-war usage.

Will the Minister consider the advisability of rationing the available sole leather among the boot and shoe repair shops in the country districts?

I shall look into the matter.

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