HC Deb 23 November 1948 vol 458 c98W
62. Mr. Odey

asked the President of the Board of Trade why in view of our shortage of dollars, he is permitting the importation of fancy shoes from the United States.

Mr. Bottomley

Shoes are included in the token import scheme, which permits the import of 20 per cent. by value of pre-war trade from those countries, including the United States, to whom the scheme applies. As my hon. Friend the Member for Barrow-in-Furness (Mr. Monslow) was informed on 2nd March, this scheme applies only to those countries which offer an adequate return within the framework of our general trade arrangements with them.