§ 25. Mr. Bottomleyasked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the leather industry about subsidised imports into this country; and what reply he has made to them.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI have received no representations within recent months about subsidised imports of leather, except in relation to imports of kid leathers from Germany. I have replied 544 that the only remaining official German Export Aid Scheme terminated at the end of 1955.
§ Mr. BottomleyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that industry itself at least has some observations on this matter, not only about Germany but about France? If he has had no representations, I can only hope that, as a result of the Question, some representations will be made to him.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI have had those representations, and that is the answer which I have given.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs not my right hon. Friend aware that German leather is being sold in the United Kingdom market at prices measurably below those prevailing in Germany? What inquiries has he made into the causes of this disparity?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI have not had that representation, but I am willing to study any facts which my hon. Friend puts before me.