HC Deb 24 July 1972 vol 841 cc210-1W
Mr. Fryasked

the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will consider taking steps to prevent the import of footwear which is unsafe.

Mr. Noble

I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind protective industrial footwear. As I said in my reply to the Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Rossendale (Mr. Bray) on 8th May last, it would not be appropriate to use import controls to ensure the use of safe footwear.—[Vol. 836, c.264.]

Mr. Fry

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list figures showing the value and pairage of footwear imported from eastern European countries in the first quarter of 1962, 1967 and 1972.

Mr. Noble

Following is the information:

Imports from Eastern Europe (including USSR):
Million pairs* £ million cif
1st quarter 1962 0.4 0.2
1st quarter 1967 1.0 0.7
1st quarter 1972 2.0 1.7
* Footwear with outer soles of rubber, artificial plastic materials, leather or composition leather (SITC(R) 851.01 and 851.02).