HC Deb 06 December 1971 vol 827 cc911-2
3. Dr. Suttaford

asked the Secretary of State for trade and industry what changes he intends to make in regard to the importation of shoes and other footwear from undeveloped countries.

Mr. Noble

In an order laid before the House on 26th November, footwear and virtually all other industrial goods other than most textiles are to be admitted free of duty from the developing countries listed as from 1st January, 1972.

Dr. Stuttaford

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the footwear industry is the major employer of skilled manual labour in Norwich, an area which, because of its high level of male unemployment, higher than the national average in all England, let alone southern England, and because it has the lowest wage rates in the country, cannot be expected to undertake this form of foreign aid? Is he also aware that the local president of the footwear manufacturers has today predicted widespread unemployment in the area if these orders are not annulled?

Mr. Noble

I had the opportunity of meeting representatives of the footwear industry last week. I was able to explain to them the safeguards which we have instituted and they seemed to be considerably reassured. There will be an opportunity to debate the matter later this week.