§ 22. Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Trade what action he is taking 512W to strengthen the trading position of the footwear industry.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimThe existing range of restraint arrangements covering imports of footwear are closely monitored and enforced. My hon. Friend the Minister for Trade is ready to consider further arrangements should circumstances justify them. He is constantly seeking improvements in export opportunities both bilaterally and through the European Commission.
§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Trade why he has refused the request from the British Footwear Manufacturers Federation to reduce substantially the ceilings for men's and women's leather footwear imported from Poland and Czechoslovakia; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ParkinsonAt the request of the United Kingdom the EC Commission is negotiating a continuation of voluntary restraints on imports of leather footwear from Poland and Czechoslovakia. The ceilings in force have not been increased for several years and I do not consider that a reduction in the current levels agreed would be negotiable.