HC Deb 10 July 1952 vol 503 cc101-2W
9. Mr. P. Roberts

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that in the first four months of this year over 250 million pairs of rubber footwear were imported from Belgium, Holland, Italy and Czechoslovakia; and whether he will take steps to restrict the import of these goods until our trade balance has materially improved, in view of the large stocks and production capacity for this type of shoe in this country.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

No. Imports of rubber footwear from Belgium, Holland, Italy and Czechoslovakia in the first four months of this year amounted to only 280,000 pairs, valued at £108,000. Imports of footwear from these countries are already restricted for balance of payments reasons.