HC Deb 07 December 1937 vol 330 c178
13. Mr. Macquisten

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that many of the women of this country prefer boots and shoes made in the United States of America as being more in conformity with, and less liable to injure, the foot than those made in this country but are unable to purchase the same on account of the prohibitive tariff; and will he take steps to have the tariff reduced?

Mr. Stanley

Any question of a variation in the rate of import duty on boots and shoes is a matter for consideration, in the first instance, by the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

Mr. Macquisten

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that shoes and boots which are within the reach of working-class women definitely injure their feet and produce lameness, and great suffering and ill-health are caused? Will he call the attention of the Minister of Health to this fact?

Mr. Shinwell

May I ask whether the President has noted the changed views of one of his supporters on the fiscal question?

Mr. Stanley

I always thought with the hon. and learned Member that when the shoe pinched it was because there was not enough protection.

Mr. H. G. Williams

Is it not the case that the proportion of chiropodists in the United States is much greater than in England?