§ 29. Mr. Normantonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is aware that the import of polyester yarn from Japanese sources has grown from 2 per cent. of the United Kingdom market in 1970 to 20 per cent. in January, 1972; and if he will take action to safeguard British interests.
§ Mr. John DaviesThe principal British producers have made representations to me about these imports, which I am considering.
§ Mr. NormantonI thank my right hon. Friend for that brief but courteous reply. May I urge him to consider the serious consequence of allowing the present situation to continue for a minute longer than necessary? May I also ask him, in view of the fact that his officials are currently negotiating technical details with the Commission officials in Brussels, whether he will impress upon his officials in these negotiations the need to place British interests in the forefront of their policy ambitions and not to sacrifice a major section of British industry as previous Administrations have done in respect of Lancashire?
§ Mr. DaviesI am sure that my hon. Friend realises that my officials always have the interests of Britain primarily in their minds.