§ Mr. Nobleasked the Secretary of State for Industry what consultations have been held since the Prime Minister's statement of 23rd May with representatives of the footwear industry on the granting of aid under the Industry Act 1972; what the results have been; and whether he can quantify the effects of proposed action on unemployment and short time working in the industry.
§ Mr. MeacherConsultations with the footwear industry are in course as part of the current joint study of the industry.250W I have invited the trade associations and the unions to consider, in the light of the Prime Minister's statement, whether they wish to discuss with me the question of aid under the Industry Act, but they have not yet responded.