HC Deb 08 July 1987 vol 119 cc335-6
1. Mr. Doran

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he next plans to meet the Trades Union Congress to discuss the future of the textile and clothing industries.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister of Trade and Industry (Mr. Kenneth Clarke)

I have no plans to do so at present, but my hon. Friend the Minister for Trade has agreed to a request for a meeting with members of the TUC economic committee and textiles, clothing and footwear committee in connection with the GTT multilateral trade negotiations.

Mr. Doran

Given the strategic importance of the British textile industry and the fact that it recently reported a trading deficit—[HON. MEMBERS: "Reading."]

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman is a new Member. We do not read our questions in the Chamber.

Mr. Doran

I shall repeat my question. Given the strategic importance of the British textile industry and the fact that it recently reported a trading deficit of £2.5 billion, what proposals does the Minister have for improving the position of the industry?

Mr. Clarke

First, I agree with the hon. Gentleman about the importance of the industry. I am glad to say that the performance and position of the industry are steadily improving. There has been a welcome increase in investment and productivity. That must the basis of its long-term survival and recovery, so that it can maintain its contribution to the British economy, We have also negotiated a new multi-fibre arrangement that will help to protect the industry against unfair competition.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

Does my right hon. and learned Friend accept that the textile and clothing industries not only make a major contribution to the economy but are substantial employers? Will he pay tribute to the number of people who work in the industry, who have always been responsible and have not indulged in irresponsible industrial relations? Will he seek to ensure that the British Government will guarantee fair competition for this valuable sector of the British economy, and that if we guarantee access to our market for goods from overseas, those countries that supply us will reciprocate?

Mr. Clarke

I come from a Department in which I was particularly well informed about the contribution that the industry makes to employment, and also about the contribution that good industrial relations in the industry have made to its performance. I therefore endorse what my hon. Friend has said about that.

I am sure that my hon. Friend the Minister for Trade will continue to ensure that the industry is protected against unfair competition. I am glad to say that the competitive position of the industry in overseas markets is improving. I am sure that my hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton) welcomes the news that came out a few days ago, which showed that the textile and clothing industries had substantially increased their volume of exports overseas, particularly to the EEC.

Mr. McAllion

The Minister will know that the United Kingdom jute industry is now wholly located in the Tayside region in Scotland, and that a thousand jobs depend on it. He will also know that last January I led a delegation of employers and trade unionists to lobby Ministers and put proposals to them for safeguarding that industry. When can the jute industry expect a response to those proposals?

Mr. Clarke

I recognise the importance of jute in Dundee because of my recent visit to the city, when I spoke on behalf of the hon. Gentleman's unsuccessful opponent——

Mr. Ernie Ross

Come again.

Mr. Speaker

Order.

Mr. Clarke

There will be more visits to Scotland.

I also know that the hon. Gentleman presented a paper to my hon. Friend the Member for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale (Mr. Lang) earlier this year, which was handed on to my Department as well. That has been followed up by officials of my Department meeting representatives of the jute industry in Dundee. We shall certainly keep in close touch and continue to consider the case concerning overseas trade, and the position of the industry with regard to its competitors.

Mr. Burt

Will my right hon. and learned Friend also pay tribute to the changes of attitude in the industry in the past few years—its willingness to adapt, innovate and bring in new technology, which, like the very good industrial relations, has also been responsible for the industry's improving position?

Mr. Clarke

Yes, indeed. When I followed these matters in the late 1970s, I met many textile interests. I find now that there has been a considerable change in the industry's approach to the future. Nowadays it is a modern, forward-looking industry which has adapted to high technology and is becoming far more competitive, producing good quality products and improving its efficiency. That is how we must continue.