HC Deb 01 February 1980 vol 977 cc815-6W
Mr. John Garrett

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he has received representations from the British Footwear Manufacturer's Federation for further financial assistance for the establishment of design facilities for stylists; and, if so, whether he intends to provide such assistance.

Mr. David Mitchell

A proposal from the British Footwear Manufacturers' Federation, endorsed by the footwear economic development committee, for financial assistance to freelance footwear

Mr. David Mitchell

[pursuant to his reply, 31 January 1980]: Detailed records of the breakdown of support schemes to public and private sectors are not kept in all instances. Approximate figures of support to the private sector within the total assistance for which my Department is responsible are set out below for1971–72 onwards at 1979 survey prices. Estimates on the same basis for earlier years are not readily available

designers has been received and given careful consideration. I attended the meeting of the footwear economic development committee on 30 January and informed it that, although I cannot agree to the proposed financial assistance, I am prepared to discuss with the industry other ways of tackling the problem.