ARMY BOOTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 March 1943, Page 2

ARMY BOOTS

SECOND-HAND ISSUES

WELLINGTON, March 4.

The issue of used boots to soldiers, because of the acute shortage of sole leather, was the subject of a statement in the House of Representatives to-day by the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser), in answer to an urgent question by Mr Clyde Can- (Labour, Timaru). Mr Carr asked whether because some worn-out or condemned Army boots were being replaced with second-hand boots, there was a shortage of Army boots, and whether, in view of the incidence of “athlete’s foot” (an infectious disease) it would be possible, shortly, to discontinue the issue of secondhand boots.

Mr Fraser, as Acting-Minister of Defence, replied: “I am informed that the issue of used boots to soldiers is an established practice, which is necessary from the point of view of economy. Because of the acute shortage of sole leather, it is essential that all possible wear should be obtained from Army boots before they are discarded. The incidence of ‘athlete’s foot’ is more largely due to other causes than the use of boots which have been worn by other soldiers. To ensure that there will be no possibility of contamination from the use of used boots, such boots are to be suitably disinfected before re-issue.” Mr Fraser added that the country was not under ideal conditions regarding the availability of materials for boots, but that the Supply Department was giving attention not only to adequate supplies, but also to better fittings.