HC Deb 10 May 1938 vol 335 c1397
17. Sir John Wardlaw-Milne

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that shoes imported into the United Kingdom from Canada, so obtaining advantage of imperial preference, are in many cases only finished in Canada, the actual process of manufacture having been carried on in the United States of America; and what action is being taken in the matter?

Mr. Stanley

No, Sir. Shoes consigned from Canada are charged with duty unless at least 50 per cent. of their value is derived from prescribed expenditure in the British Empire. There is no evidence of evasion of this condition.

Mr. Lyons

In view of the unemployment in the boot and shoe trade in this country, will my right hon. Friend consider the disparity that exists between the position of the exporter sending from this country to Canada and the Canadian manufacturer sending boots and shoes to this country?