§ Q2. Mr. Joel Barnettasked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Departments of Trade and Industry and Employment on the problems of the textile industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. The two Departments work closely together both at headquarters and in the regions.
§ Mr. BarnettIs the Prime Minister aware that, although he may be satisfied, the people of Lancashire are far from satisfied? The position is desperate, with the latest figures showing that as a percentage of consumption, imports represent about 55 per cent. compared with 15 per cent. in the United States. Bearing in mind the current serious unemployment in the area, is the Prime Minister aware that the Textile Council has recently found that a cut of 10 per cent. in those imports would provide 4,000 to 5,000 additional jobs, and will he reconsider the Government's whole policy of quotas and marks of origin?
§ The Prime MinisterThis policy was, of course, the policy of the previous Administration. The Act was passed by Parliament under the previous Government, and it was the hon. Gentleman's Administration which made the changes of which he is now complaining. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State—[Interruption.]—if the hon. Gentleman 245 wishes his views to be taken seriously he should accept responsibility for his own Government's policies. As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry said last night in the Adjournment debate, the questions which the hon. Gentleman has raised are being followed most closely, and special monitoring machinery has been set up by the Government to ascertain the facts so that action can be taken.
§ Sir R. CaryFollowing his much-valued visit to the Lancashire/Cheshire border recently, the Prime Minister will be aware of the distress caused by the closing of so many mills. Is it not wrong that the marking of cloth imported into this country should be abolished?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is at this moment considering requests from the industry for special orders to be made under Section 8.
§ Mr. LamondWill the Prime Minister say what action he is taking following his meeting with both sides of the textile industry during his visit to Manchester last month?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I have just said, one issue is the question of the special markings, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is now considering the requests which have been made by the industry. The Under-Secretary of State last night dealt with the introduction of tariffs, which are due to come in on 1st January, and this will undoubtedly benefit part of the industry. There is then the question of the disruption which may arise after the change-over, and the special monitoring machinery is being set up to deal with this aspect.