§ 12. Mr. Eggarasked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received from consumer organisations about the re-negotiation of the multi-fibre arrangement.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimI have received a general report by the Consumers Association on the effect of import controls in the clothing and textile field resulting from the multi-fibre arrangement. My hon. Friend the Minister for Trade has agreed to meet the association to discuss this report.
§ Mr. EggarI am grateful to my right hon. Friend. When she listens to the pleading of the textile lobby will she recollect that one of the effects of the recent MFA has been substantially to increase the cost of clothing, especially lower quality clothing, and that this has in particular hit the poorer sections of the British community?
§ Mrs. OppenheimMy hon. Friend makes a valid point. The Consumers Association correctly is representing consumer interests, as do I as Minister for Consumer Affairs. Naturally, I noted the report with great interest. I agree with a number of aspects and believe that they are of value. I noted in particular the argument that protection has only a short-term effect, at best, in protecting jobs. Certainly it increases prices and reduces choice for consumers.
§ Mr. Joseph DeanWill the Minister reconsider her answer? Does she understand that hon. Members who represent textile areas believe that unless further serious and definite action is taken to reduce imports, the textile industries as we know them in the North will disappear?
§ Mrs. OppenheimOf course I share the hon. Gentleman's anxiety. I can understand and sympathise with the strong feelings of many hon. Members on both sides of the House. If the hon. Gentleman reads the excellent report by the Consumers Association he will 13 recognise that what I say is true. The long-term protection of jobs and the long-teen strength and health of the industry matters. That is not assisted by protectionism.