asked the President of the Board of Trade the total quantity of glazed-kid leather imported into this country from the U.S.A. during the last six months or the last period for which figures are available; and the cost in dollars.

In the first half of this year, 257,000 square feet were imported from the United States, having a c.i.f value of £38,800.

Is it not a fact that this leather used to come from East Africa direct to this country to be tanned, and is it not quite unnecessary to secure it from America? Will the Government arrange to import leather direct to this country and get it tanned here?

If we could import leather from East Africa to be tanned here, we should be very glad to do so. We have imported leather from America in order to make up our own necessary supplies.

Is it not the case that it has been imported from America because there is a Government arrangement with America whereby they import it from East Africa?

Not to my knowledge. The amount imported represents a very tiny proportion of the total amount sold on the home market in this country.