§ Sir G. de Freitasasked the Minister of Technology why, in the first five months of 1969 compared with the first five months of 1968, while the percentage of the value of our exports of leather footwear and slippers to European Free Trade Association countries, to European Economic Community countries and to the United States of America all rose, there was a decline in the percentage exported to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
§ Dr. Ernest A. DaviesI know of no special reasons for the decline in these exports to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in the first five months of 1969. Since then there has been a significant improvement. Some seasonal fluctuation in the pattern of trade must, however, be expected, and deliveries of footwear to this market tend to be con8W centrated in the summer and later months of the year. Future prospects are encouraging.