asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that there is still a great shortage of leather for use by boot repairers, and if he will state what further steps he proposes to take to have the position improved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Leather.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to another question concerning repair leather on the 15th December, 1943. The arrangements outlined in that reply have now been put into effect, and will, I hope, result in a substantial easement in the position. I am, of course, aware that the total supply of leather now available for the repair trade is unlikely to be sufficient to meet the full demand. Our imports of leather, which were always considerable, have ceased almost entirely, while the absence of hobnails and other protective grindery, as well as of rubber footwear and of rubber soles and heels, has greatly increased the demand. Any further measures to remedy the position which it may be possible to take will be applied.
Would the Minister consider discussing with the trade the possibility of using rejected motor tyres, tyres which cannot be repaired, for making patches which might be made to adhere to the soles of boots and thus prevent the wear of sole leather?
I doubt if that is a matter for a Government Department to interfere in. So far as I know, tyres which are unsuitable for reconditioning as tyres are being used at present by many firms for a variety of purposes, all useful.
In fact, the available supply of rejected tyres is being turned to some other purpose?
I am aware of that myself.
The Minister is aware that if a tyre is sent in, the wire of which is broken, even though the rubber is in reasonably good condition, Dunlop's cannot repair it? The material could be very usefully used for strengthening the soles of boots, but if it is being used for other purposes, there is no use talking about it.