Mr. BECKETT:

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will ascertain what firm supplied the boots issued to the Durham miners now employed in Hyde Park; what was the number of pairs purchased from this firm; what price per pair was paid; and whether he has satisfied himself as to their serviceability?

Two hundred and twenty-six pairs of boots were supplied by Messrs. W. Hurlock, Limited, for issue to certain miners employed in the Parks. They were considered serviceable and no complaints have been received. The supplies were obtained under a Government contract by the Ministry of Labour, and in these circumstances it would be contrary to the accepted practice and not in the public interest to state the price paid.

Mr. BECKETT:

Will the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to have these boots examined now, after a few weeks wear? I was in the Park a week or so ago, and the boots were not good.

I will make inquiries.

Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONE:

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, if the boots had been bought in Northampton, there would have been no complaints?