HC Deb 01 May 1975 vol 891 cc707-8
6. Mr. Hoyle

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect he estimates his Budget proposals will have on employment prospects in the textile industry.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Joel Barnett)

The Budget proposals are unlikely to have much effect on employment prospects in the textile industry.

Mr. Hoyle

Does my right hon. Friend agree that any unemployment in the textile industry will be a disaster, especially in view of the short-time working which is already occurring? In the North-West over 50,000 out of 80,000 workers are on short-time working. Does he also agree that what is needed for a viable textile industry is a substantial cut in foreign textiles imports?

Mr. Barnett

I share my hon. Friend's concern about the situation in the textile industry. However, the latter part of his question should be directed to the Secretary of State for Trade.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Is the Minister aware that the fact that the Budget has had no effect on employment prospects means that those prospects have become much worse, and that two weaving mills in my constituency closed the day before yesterday? Will he, together with his right hon. Friend, consider the possibility of including some help for the textile industry in amendments to the Finance Bill, which will be coming forward soon?

Mr. Barnett

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the closures to which he referred, and which I greatly regret, have nothing to do with the Budget. I cannot agree to the proposal he put to the House.

Mr. Noble

Does my right hon. Friend accept that, in relation to the economic strategy of the Government, it was not what was in the Budget which dismayed the textile workers but what was left out of the Budget? If we do not introduce import controls no textile industry in Lancashire will be left. Will the Chief Secretary press upon the Prime Minister and his associates the need for urgent action in this area?

Mr. Barnett

I assure my hon. Friend that the Prime Minister and all other Ministers are very much aware of the serious situation in the textile industry. I promise him that his question will be brought to their attention again.

Mr. Winterton

Controlling the British Treasury as he does, will the Chief Secretary urge his right hon. Friend to direct some of the funds which he is prepared to channel into highly inefficient, overstaffed and badly-manned companies to better use in the textile industry, which is highly efficient and highly progressive?

Mr. Barnett

I am not sure that many hon. Members on either side of the House would agree with that; neither do I.