HC Deb 05 April 1971 vol 815 cc15-7
16. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in view of the difficulties experienced by almost half the men and women in Great Britain who take other than average shoe sizes, he will inquire into the effect on Great Britain's export trade in shoes of the restricted number of shoe sizes.

Sir J. Eden

I do not think an inquiry is necessary. Exports of footwear have doubled since 1967 and I am not aware that the industry has difficulty in meeting its overseas customers' requirements.

Mrs. Short

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that our exports of shoes to, for example, America, West Germany and the Soviet Union demand that our sizing system compares with theirs? What is being done to improve the sizing of shoes in this country? As very few manufacturers and retailers cater for men and women with either large or small feet —[Laughter.] This is not funny—many of these people suffer difficulty medically. Will the right hon. Gentleman take this matter up with the British shoe manufacturers and look at the whole question seriously, because it is a serious problem?

Sir J. Eden

Exports of footwear in 1970 totalled 21 million pairs to a value of £35 million. As for meeting the requirements of the United Kingdom market, I am sure that the trade is not the least bit unsympathetic to the problems of those with difficult feet.

Mrs. Short

Will the hon. Gentleman get them to do something about it?

Sir J. Eden

The British Footwear Manufacturers Association will be happy to supply members of the public, on application, with a list of branded footwear made in special sizes and with the names of special retailers.

Mr. Tom Boardman

Is my hon. Friend aware that the hon. Lady's Question is clearly based on a survey which is about 15 years out of date? Is it not a fact that the British footwear industry now supplies a variety of fittings and sizes and that they are at least comparable with those available in any other European country? Is it not also a fact that the industry is prepared to make sizes and fittings to the request of any export market?

Sir J. Eden

Yes. I am sure that my hon. Friend is right. In any case, the range of sizes and fittings stocked is a matter for the commercial judgment of the individual retailer.

Sir G. de Freitas

Will the hon. Gentleman consult the industry's research association, which over the years has made an intensive study of feet sizes in general and has also made a study, in particular, at her request, of my hon. Friend's feet?