§ Sir G. de Freitasasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, although there have been increases in both the value and volume of exports of footwear to the European Free Trade Association and the European Economic Community countries taken as a group in the first seven months of 1965 compared with the first seven months of 1964, British exports to Belgium and Italy have declined; and what is the reason for this.
§ Mr. DarlingThe general increase in our footwear exports to E.F.T.A. and E.E.C. countries reflects great credit on the the British industry. I know of no special reason why Belgium and Italy should, I hope temporarily, show a different trend, though some fluctuation in exports to particular markets must be expected.