asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware of the delay in the issue of free boots and half-price boots after vouchers have been distributed; and, if so, if he will cause investigations into the matter with a view to an improvement in the supply.
Written Answers. - Free Boots Scheme.
I am not aware of any avoidable delay in the issue of official footwear after vouchers have been distributed. Owing to a strike in a tannery towards the end of 1944 the output of children's footwear fell below expectations. The local authorities are being advised at short intervals by my Department as to the numbers of vouchers which may be released by them according to current information on the extent of production. The production of official footwear achieved by the manufacturers in the December quarter was 30,000 approximately, and in the month of January, 1945, 31,000 approximately; total 61,000. Authority for the issue of vouchers in respect of that number has been issued and the boots have been distributed or are in process of distribution. Meanwhile footwear manufactured in February is being distributed to retailers and supplies should at present exceed the number of vouchers issued.