§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he proposes to take to limit job losses in the British shoe manufacturing industry. [73306]
§ Mr. BattleMy Department is working closely with the British shoe manufacturing industry to improve its competitiveness in domestic and overseas markets. I launched an Action Plan designed to achieve this at the National Footwear Conference in Rossendale in February 1998. The Plan is being taken forward by the Footwear Liaison Action Group (FLAG). This is an industry led Group which has representatives from companies, trade associations, unions, training organisations, Business Links, DTI and DFEE. My Department is supporting a number of projects developed under this initiative.