The choice of footwear is still one of the most outstanding problems which confront a traveller in the polar regions. Differences of opinion have arisen for various reasons, but perhaps the most common one is lack of experience of the available types. Personal views are influenced by the nature of the journeys already undertaken, the climatic conditions and the types of country experienced, whether the individual has had to repair his own footwear or has had native help, whether he has good circulation, the question of whether his feet are subject to excessive perspiration, and whether he has any tendency to flat-footedness, etc. It must also be remembered that a man who has used a particular kind of footwear in unsuitable conditions or without proper care tends to condemn that kind as being useless in all circumstances.

It is of course impracticable for the Discovery Committee to continue any further work at present with the Discovery II and William Scoresby, but although part of the scientific staff is now seconded to various forms of National Service, it has fortunately been found possible for those remaining to continue the scientific work in this country. While the ships were at work, the data and collections inevitably accumulated more quickly than they could be analysed and reported upon in full. There is, therefore, a very large body of material which would in any case require some years to be adequately dealt with. In the meantime the Committee's organisation is being kept intact, and it is expected that publication of the Discovery Reports will continue. Log books and other original records were removed from London at the outbreak of war and placed in safety in the cellars of the Scott Polar Research Institute.