HC Deb 13 November 1972 vol 846 cc3-4
2. Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the further progress of negotiations with the European Economic Community concerning textiles.

The Minister for Trade and Consumer Affairs (Sir Geoffrey Howe)

I cannot yet add to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, South (Mr. Blaker), on 23rd October.—[Vol. 843, c. 181.]

Mr. Meacher

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the expected loss of 1,000 jobs at the Skelmersdale Courtaulds plant will affect several other Lancashire textile towns, including three mills in my constituency, and that it has created even greater anxieties about what is to come? Is he aware that if quotas are removed on 1st January the common external tariff of only about 7 per cent. on cotton yarns will produce an import deluge that will make the Skelmersdale disaster look puny by comparison? Has he no information yet on how he will prevent that disaster?

Sir G. Howe

I cannot accept that the Skelmersdale closure to which the hon. Gentleman has referred is directly related to the point covered by his Question. Of course there would be implications if no changes were made or if no developments could be announced before 1st January, but as regards cotton textiles we have made proposals to the Commission for 1973 which, generally speaking, would mean a pattern and level of restraints similar to those in 1972. I am hopeful of being able to make an announcement telling the trade as soon as possible what next year's arrangements will be. It would be quite wrong for any exaggerated fears of the kind the hon. Gentleman has raised to be founded upon what is now taking place.

Mr. Marten

When will those proposals be debated in the House before any decision is taken?

Sir G. Howe

I hope to be able to tell the House shortly what next year's arrangements will be.

Mr. Benn

As the Skelmersdale closure to which my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) referred must have been discussed by the firm in question at board level, and the Government were not notified, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman please make arrangements to see that all textile firms that might be affected will be consulted about their calculations of the effect of entry into Europe so that the Government can take effective action before precipitate closures of the kind in question at Skelmersdale are announced?

Sir G. Howe

In the context of the topic covered by the Question the Government are in consultation with the trade and have been for some time. The Skelmersdale closure is a matter of a different quality.