HC Deb 09 August 1920 vol 133 cc67-8W
Mr. GLANVILLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether over-production has taken place in the boot and shoe trade; whether the home demand has been outrun and little foreign demand exists at present prices; and, if so, what action the Government is taking, in view of the probability of widespread unemployment in the trade in question?

Sir R. HORNE

The recent decline in the activity of the boot and shoe trade appears to be duo to a slackening in the home demand and to the fact that the exports, though in excess of those of last year, are still very far short of the pre-War level. As regards the last part of the question, the whole unemployment question is receiving the close attention of the Government.