§ Mr. William Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Trade what information he has from international sources available to him about the extent to which State help is given to the footwear industry in France.
§ Mr. DeakinsOur information is that no special direct State help is given to the footwear industry in France. But some years ago the industry's federation set up a committee, composed mainly of industrialists but with Government representation, for the restructuring of that industry. For this purpose the committee receives the proceeds of a para-fiscal tax levied on shoe sales in France according to a number of detailed rules.