§ 98. Mr. Mitchisonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that restrictions on the import of upper leather from France are likely to lead to short employment in the boot and shoe industry in Kettering; and when the hon. Member for Kettering may expect a reply to his letter of 28th December, 1948, to the Parliamentary Secretary on this matter.
§ Mr. J. EdwardsA reply has now been sent to my hon. Friend and I would apologise for the delay. It explains why it is not practicable to allow unrestricted imports of leather from France for purely domestic use but points out that there is no restriction, within reasonable limits, on imports for use in the export trade in footwear. It is hoped that increased supplies of upper leather of a suitable quality will be available in 1949.