HC Deb 19 December 1974 vol 883 cc580-1W
Mrs. Colquhoun

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will visit Northampton to have discussions with shoe workers on part-time working.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

My right hon. Friend has no plans to visit Northampton at the present time. However, he is well aware of the problems faced by the workers in the footwear industry.

Mrs. Colquhoun

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will publish as a matter of urgency the Department's study of the footwear industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

We do not propose to publish this report, but I shall send a copy to the hon. Member. Our officials are considering further steps with the British Footwear Manufacturers' Federation.

Mr. John Garrett

asked the Secretary of State for Industry to what extent he estimates that short-time working in the United Kingdom footwear industry is due to imports of footwear from COMECON countries.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

We believe that the present level of imports of footwear from COMECON countries is a significant factor in, but not the sole reason for, the current amount of short-time working. My Department is currently considering the problem of low cost imports with the Department of Trade, and an announcement will be made as soon as possible.

Mr. John Garrett

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what representations he has made to the Australian Government concerning their imposition of quotas on footwear imported from the United Kingdom.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Trade to my right hon. Friend the Member for Kettering (Sir. G. de Freitas) on 25th November 1974, when he stated,In addition to representations by the British footwear industry, official approaches have been made to the Australian authorities about the adverse effects of the restrictions on British footwear exports, particularly on those goods made against contracts accepted before the operative date of the restrictions."— [OFFICIAL REPORT, 25th November 1974; Vol. 882, c. 79.]