asked the Minister for Supplies if he is now in a position to state when a scheme of control for footwear will be put into operation by his Department so that shopkeepers in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, will get a reasonable supply of strong nailed boots for agricultural workers, and if he is aware that at present not a single pair of heavy nailed boots can be purchased in the town.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Heavy Nailed Boots.
I hope that a general scheme of control for the production of footwear will come into operation early in the new year. One of the main objects of this scheme will be to increase the supply of agricultural boots. I cannot, however, guarantee any considerable supplies of agricultural boots of the nailed type since hobnails have all to be imported and supplies of them are very short at present.
Will the Minister state what class of boots are being made in our Irish factories?
All classes of boots.
Would it be possible to get heavy boots made there, in the interest of agricultural workers, who cannot work on the land in light boots?
I think the Deputy had better study the reply I have given him, which answers his question.
Is the Minister satisfied that all the hides in the country are being made available for the production of strong boots?
No, I am not, but that is a separate question.
Would the Minister give us any idea as to the number of clogs being made?
There is a substantial number of clogs being made, but the difficulty in producing clogs arises out of the scarcity of the wire required for the wiring of the clog soles to the uppers. All the wire of that kind in the country is being reserved exclusively for the manufacture of clogs.
Is there any trouble in regard to the wood for these clogs?
There is no trouble about the wood.
Is there any trouble with the Orangemen? The Orangemen have a toast: "Here's to King Billy, who saved us from Popery, wooden shoes and brass money."