asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether she has had discussions with footwear manufacturers asking them to produce and make available in shops, ladies shoes, both small, for example size 1½ and 2, and large sizes, in all fittings.

The Office of Fair Trading has received reports of difficulties experienced in this area. It is having discussions with the footwear manufacturers on the development of a voluntary code of practice, which may, if adopted, among other things improve the availability of a more extensive range of shoe sizes and fittings.