HC Deb 05 June 1972 vol 838 cc29-30
34. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has received the communication entitled "Textiles the Challenge", published by the Textile Industry Support Campaign, sent to him by the hon. Member for West Ham, North, asking for steps to be taken to protect the textile industry on British entry to the European Economic Community; and whether he will make a statement on the action he proposes in the light of it.

Mr. Noble

I am grateful to the hon. Member for providing me with a copy of this communication. I am in close consultation with the United Kingdom textile industry as a whole, about these points.

Mr. Lewis

Having seen this document, the Minister will be aware that the textile industry is very worried and anxious about the Government going into the Common Market without the full-hearted consent of the people and Parliament. Will the right hon. Gentleman tell his right hon. and hon. Friends and those of my right hon. and hon. Friends who represent constituencies concerned with the textile industry that they ought to listen to their electors on this important question?

Mr. Noble

I am aware that there are a number of sections in the textile industry, all of which do not always speak with one voice, which have considerable worries. That is why I meet them regularly. Discussions have also taken place in Brussels on this important subject.

Mr. Redmond

Will my right hon. Friend consider publishing the letter on this subject that his Parliamentary Secretary sent me recently which would give some assurance to the textile industry in Lancashire?

Mr. Noble

I will consider that; though, as the letter was to my hon. Friend, I see no reason why he should not publish it himself.

Mr. Joel Barnett

Is not it clear that it would be absurd to wait until after 1st January, 1973, to do something about cotton yarn quotas especially in view of the high level of unemployment in Lancashire? Will not the right hon. Gentleman therefore act now to ensure that quotas on cotton yarn are retained on 1st January, 1973?

Mr. Noble

I cannot promise to act on this subject now, but we are actively discussing these matters with the Committee.