asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information as to the intention of Italy to prohibit the importation of British boots and shoes; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to try and prevent this taking place?

Under the Italian Decree of 16th February, imports of boots and shoes were to be restricted, up to 31st March, to 25 per cent. of the imports from the United Kingdom in the corresponding period of last year. This percentage is now raised, however, to 80 per cent. under the provisional agreement which has already been announced.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement as to the temporary agreement with the Italian Government with regard to trade with Italy, and especially if the figure of 80 per cent. of the 1934 imports permitted by the Italian Government refers to the total British imports into Italy or to each individual item?

I would refer to the statement which my right hon. Friend made yesterday in reply to questions on this subject. The effect of the provisional agreement is that an Italian importer may import 80 per cent. of the amount of any individual commodity which he imported from the United Kingdom in the corresponding period of 1934.

Does my hon. and gallant Friend realise that a 20 per cent. restriction on pilchards is a serious matter for the pilchard industry of Cornwall?

I have indicated that the agreement is a provisional one and that further negotiations are to be undertaken.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Italy is almost the only market for British pilchards; whether he has borne this in mind in his recent negotiations with the Italian Government: and whether he will do so when a more lasting agreement comes to be discussed?

The answer to each part of the question is in the affirmative.