HC Deb 13 July 1970 vol 803 cc1127-8
Mr. Barnett

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on his proposals for the future of the textile industry with particular reference to the Imperial Chemical Industries bid for Carrington and Dewhurst and its eventual integration with Viyella.

Mr. Rippon

I have no statement to make at the present time. Meanwhile I regard it as a matter for I.C.I. to decide whether or not it proceeds with its textile merger plans.

Mr. Barnett

Does that philosophy of non-intervention extend to the textile industry? Is it intended that I.C.I. should be completely free, that all restraints should be removed, that there should be bids from any source, and that the restraints previously announced by my right hon. Friend the then Paymaster-General should be removed? If so, will the Minister come and explain his philosophy to the people of Lancashire?

Mr. Rippon

I have accepted the view of the previous Administration. I.C.I. has not complained about the conditions which were laid down by the Paymaster-General in his statement of 25th March, 1970.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Does my right hon. and learned Friend accept—as I hope he does—for the other members of the industry, and particularly the other fibre producers, the rule that they are to be forbidden to get into the manufacturing of textiles?

Mr. Rippon

I have received no proposals or representations about the standstill laid down by the previous Adminisration. I am, of course, ready to receive any such representations if anybody wishes to make them.