asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will have the percentage of the total output of men's heavy boots available increased for civilian consumption during the next three months, as no heavy boots are at present available in rural areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Heavy Boots.
I would refer the Deputy to replies given in Dáil Éireann on the 9th and 30th November, 1944, to questions regarding supplies of heavy footwear. What the Deputy suggests has already been done. Since this matter was last mentioned in the Dáil there has been a further reduction of 50 per cent. in the requirements for the Defence Forces and the production of heavy boots for civilians has been increased accordingly. I regret that the raw materials position does not allow of any greater production of heavy boots which is, however, now somewhat above the average pre-war production.
Can the Minister hold out any hope that there will be a temporary increase, at least of men's heavy boots, between now and Christmas, in view of the very acute shortage that obtains in most rural areas of this commodity? Perhaps he would look into this matter at his convenience.
I am not in a position to answer the Deputy on that matter.