§ 5. Mr. Osborneasked the President of the Board of Trade what data he has received from the footwear trade about the sale of boots and shoes since they were reduced in coupon value; and, in view of such data, if he is now in a position to take all footwear off coupons.
§ Mr. H. WilsonI have received preliminary reports from a large number of manufacturers and distributors of footwear which show that there was at first a sharp increase in the volume of sales of boots and shoes after they were reduced in coupon value. There has, however, not yet been time for the long-term effects of this reduction to show themselves, and I am not, therefore, prepared to take all footwear off coupons.
§ Mr. OsborneIn view of the underemployment and the fear of much greater unemployment in the footwear industry, does not the Minister think he might take the risk of doing away with all coupons?
§ Mr. WilsonI am keeping the matter under very close review. What we have to bear in mind is the task of getting enough hide supplies to keep the industry fully employed next year.
§ Mr. GibsonHas my right hon. Friend received any indications of cheaper boots and shoes?
§ Mr. WilsonThat is something to which I am very much looking forward now that there is more competition provided between the various manufacturers and distributors.