§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Industry what progress is being made in his working party with the British Footwear Manufacturers' Federation; what action has so far ensued from its discussions; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MeacherAt its first meeting on 26th March 1975 the steering group agreed on the following terms of reference:
334W(2) what sums have been spent by Welsh local authorities on paying the interest and principal, respectively, of loans from the Public Works Loan Board in each of the last five available years.
§ Mr. DellI have been asked to reply.
Following is the information:
To consider ways of improving the efficiency and international competitiveness of the United Kingdom footwear manufacturing industry, and of ensuring its viability, and to make recommendations.At its next meeting it is expected to agree on a programme for three working groups to examine the home market, exports and the industry's overall efficiency.
The study is being made jointly by the footwear unions, the British Footwear Manufacturers' Federation and my Department. I am inviting hon. Members with footwear interests in their constituencies to nominate some of their number to participate.