asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that, despite recent measures taken by him, the shortage of boots is still very acute; and if he intends to take any further steps to remedy the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shortage of Boots.
The measures already taken have resulted in a supply of footwear which represents about two-thirds of the demand, taking account of the non-availability of rubber footwear and rubber soled footwear. There is a shortage, but it cannot correctly be described as acute and in existing conditions it is not possible to overcome it. There have been no imports of sole leather for a long time and imports of upper leather are relatively insignificant. Consequently, the footwear manufacturers are almost entirely dependent for leather on the output of our own tanneries and this output is affected by the supply of tanning materials imported from abroad which are not available in normal quantities. To relieve the position, footwear has been rationed and the output of the factories has been regulated to ensure that, having regard to the materials available, the maximum quantities of heavy footwear for men and women and of footwear for children will be produced. The situation is kept constantly under review in consultation with all sections of the trade and any practicable measures which can be taken further to relieve the shortage will be adopted.
Is the Minister aware that in many towns in Ireland at present there is not a pair of men's boots to be had and, bearing that fact in mind, will he consider in consultation with the Minister for Defence, relieving boot manufacturers from their obligation to deliver boots on Army contracts for a month or two, until the more acute shortage of heavy boots for civilian wear is in some measure relieved for the winter?
Of the total production of heavy boots in this country, not more than 20 per cent. is allocated to the Department of Defence for local defence services.
That may be true, but if 20 per cent. were now released it would greatly mitigate hardship in the case of many men facing the winter without boots. If the Minister would consider taking that remedial measure, while not meeting the scarcity, it would relieve the situation. Would the Minister consider that, and consult with members of his own Party as to conditions regarding the supply of boots in the different areas?
It is necessary to keep the Army supplied with boots as well as other sections.
Certainly, but for a couple of months the proposal would relieve the civilian market.
I refer the Deputy to the reply I gave. There is no possibility of increasing the supply at present.
Will the Minister consider the needs of workers and children in country districts?
I think the Deputy must appreciate that there is a war on and that supplies are scarce. There is nothing we can do which will result in increased production of leather if the manufacturers have not got it.
The Minister could do something to increase the supply of boots for civilians.
Is it by putting the Army in bare feet?
No, nor the L.D.F. either.