asked the Secretary for Mines why the supply of protective boots is far below demand in certain mining districts: and what effort is being made to increase the supply and encourage the use of such boots in the interests of safety?

Under the encouragement which has been given in various ways and for many years by the Safety in Mines Research Board the use of protective boots has been steadily increasing and both demand and supply are considerably above pre-war levels. As my hon. Friend is aware, leather is now controlled and there are very heavy demands to be met for the essential needs of the Fighting Forces, in addition to ordinary civil requirements. A fair share of the available supplies is being released for the manufacture of protective boots, which are by no means solely reserved for the mining industry, and the possibility of increased supplies is receiving the close attention of my Department.

Is there any connection between the shortage of these boots in certain districts and the fact that they are exempt from the Purchase Tax? Is my hon. Friend aware that in some districts where men would like to wear these boots they cannot get them?

I know that the demand exceeds the supply, and we are looking into it.