asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the acute shortage of leather for repairing boots, particularly sole leather, also harness leather, and if he will state what are the prospects of an increased supply of this commodity.

I am not aware that there is an acute shortage of repair leather or of harness leather. Deliveries of leather by the tanneries for repair purposes are at present well in excess of the pre-war level and I am satisfied that the boot repairers are receiving reasonable supplies for their present needs. Supplies of harness leather have also been maintained at a high level. Supplies of these leathers cannot be increased until supplies of raw materials which cannot now be imported become available again.

Is not the Minister aware that many working men in this country are at present in hospital suffering from rheumatism caused by the leather used in the manufacture of their boots?

That seems to be an entirely different question.

It has reference to leather.