Multi-fibre Arrangement

HC Deb 12 February 1986 vol 91 c952

19. Mr. Terry Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the current state of negotiations on the multi-fibre arrangement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Negotiations in the GATT on renewal of the MFA are still at an early stage, and discussions in the Community on a mandate for the negotiations are continuing. It is too early to say whether we are likely to achieve our objectives as described by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 9 May 1985, but the Community has agreed that an extension of the MFA is needed.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that close on £2 billion has been invested by the industry during the past 10 years and that, compared with foreign competitors, it has kept prices at a reasonable level? Is that not enough to suggest to the Minister that he should go out with all guns blazing and come back to the House with a strengthened multi-fibre arrangement?

Mr. Morrison

The hon. Gentleman heard what my hon. Friend the Minister for Trade had to say earlier. My hon. Friend is a good negotiator. He will be balancing the advantages and taking serious account of what the hon. Gentleman has said.

Mr. John Townend

Is my hon. Friend aware that even efficient clothing producers, such as Dewhurst in my constituency, which supplies Marks and Spencers, believe that it is vital for their continued prosperity that the MFA should be renewed on the same basis as the present arrangement?

Mr. Morrison

I am aware of the efficiency of Dewhurst in my hon. Friend's constituency. My hon. Friend the Minister for Trade and I will take account of what he has said.

Mr. Fatchett

On a recent visit to Leeds the Minister said that he would give proper protection to the Leeds clothing industry against the importation of men's cheap suits. What did he mean by proper protection?

Mr. Morrison

I believe that it was men's trousers. In consultation with my hon. Friend the Minister for Trade, I have been considering the whole matter with the British Clothing Industries Association. If action must be taken, it will be.