Hosiery and Knitwear Industries (Hansard, 21 April 1980)

§ 14. Mr. Greville Janner
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will take steps to assist the hosiery and knitwear industries.

§ The Under-Secretary of State for Industry (Mr. David Mitchell)
The Government's economic policies are designed to deal with the causes of inflation and encourage industries throughout the country to become more competitive and so expand.

§ Mr. Janner
When the Secretary of State went to Leicester last week and 19 visited hosiery and knitwear factories, was he told of the deep recession into which those traditional industries are sinking and of the high unemployment among them? Will he do his best to help those industries, not least by ensuring that VAT is not charged on children's clothing and that the tremendously high proposed increases in gas and other fuel prices will be cushioned for them?

§ Mr. Mitchell
When my right hon. Friend visited the city, he was indeed told of the problems faced by the industries there. He made a careful note of them. I know that he is keenly aware of, and interested in, the problems. The hon. and learned Member's second point, about VAT on children's clothing, is a matter for the Treasury. I shall ensure, as I have on behalf of the clothing industry already, that its views are well understood. The effect of the Government's fuel policies is a matter for the Department of Energy.

§ Mr. Dalyell
What will be done about the problems that I have raised five times in the House in recent months about origin labelling? Do the Government understand that a sweater such as the one I am wearing may be labelled so as to make one think that it is Shetland wear when, in fact, it may come from Indonesia or Hong Kong? What will the Government do to make it clear where woollen textile imports come from?

§ Mr. Mitchell
If origin labelling on the garment is incorrect, there is an established procedure for prosecution by the inspectors of the local authorities and, if need be, for confiscation of the goods. If the hon. Gentleman is referring generally to labelling not being provided or being misleading, that is a matter for the Minister for Consumer Affairs.