§ 5. Mr. Jayasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement about the forthcoming negotiation of the GATT long-term arrangement for cotton textiles.
§ The Minister for Trade and Consumer Affairs (Sir Geoffrey Howe)The prospects for a new negotiation are still under review in the GATT and I hope that the next stage of international discussion of the problems involved will soon be launched.
§ Mr. JayIs it not time that the Continental countries took a much larger share of manufactured textile imports from Asia? Will the Government make practical proposals to that end?
§ Sir G. HoweAs members of the Community, we are discussing this matter with our partners. It is accepted that any solution must be in accordance with the basic principles of GATT and must 897 pay due regard to the needs of developing countries along the lines indicated by the right hon. Member.
§ Mr. BennIs not this another example of the Government declining to announce their view until they have agreed it with their Community partners? Is not the House entitled to know what view the British Government are pressing in the Community discussions before the GATT negotiations take place?
§ Sir G. HoweI indicated in my previous reply the extent to which the outcome must pay due regard to the needs of developing countries. That has been outlined in the communiqué of the summit conference and to that extent the point is clear.