Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Pensions – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 4 February 1947.
The delay in supplying surgical boots and shoes is caused in the main by a shortage of skilled labour in this comparatively small but specialised industry but it is hoped that to some extent this will be offset by the introduction of disabled ex-Servicemen as trainees. To adopt the hon. Member's suggestion in every case would throw an additional burden upon the industry which it would be unable to bear at present and would lead to increased delay.