§ 3.13 p.m.
§ Lord BARNBYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are yet able to announce decisions on the appeal for short-term action to mitigate the destructive effects of excessive imports on the textile industry, as proposed to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster by the British Textile Confederation following recommendations by the Prime Minister.
§ The MINISTER of STATE, DEPARTMENT of INDUSTRY (Lord Beswick)My Lords, we are not yet able to announce the Government's further proposals to assist the textile industry. We intend to do so as soon as possible.
§ Lord BARNBYMy Lords, the Deputy Leader will understand that that is a disappointing Answer. Does he remember that only yesterday in his admirable speech he urged the importance of exports? Is he aware that, while exports depend on a substantial home market, at present consumption internally is running up to 50 per cent. of imports, though we have the capacity to produce ourselves and a substantial home market is essential? Is he aware that imports at their present rate are imperilling the employment of some 150,000 workers who are at present underemployed or unemployed, that the textile industry ranks very high among the export industries and that it is important to this industry that this decision should be forthcoming very quickly?
§ Lord BESWICKMy Lords, I have in this House in recent days spelt out the 910 restrictions already imposed and the licensing system already in being, and I do not think we should underestimate what is being done. However, I recognise it is a disappointment that I am not able to make this additional statement, but I hope it will be made before too long.
§ Lord DERWENTMy Lords, is not this a wonderful improvement, four Questions in nine minutes?
§ Lord BARNBYMy Lords, it is the privilege of noble Lords in this House to follow up one supplementary question with another. May I ask the noble Deputy Leader whether he can give any indication if there is good progress simultaneously under the Multi-Fibre Agreement, which is another important matter on which action by the Government—not shortly or in the future but tomorrow—could be taken in regard to the employment of these people who are so hard-pressed in the textile industry?
§ Lord BESWICKMy Lords, the noble Lord will be aware that we are in agreement with other Member-States of the EEC on certain restrictions that should become effective from 1st January 1975. I hope more can be done, but I suggest that if the noble Lord will exercise a little patience—a matter of days—I may be able to tell him something more.
Lord HAWKEMy Lords, can the Minister say to what extent the underdeveloped countries have been able to take advantage of the privileges given them by the Lomé Convention to send more of their textile exports to the EEC rather than to this country?
§ Lord BESWICKMy Lords, there is a burden-sharing agreement to which we have subscribed. It is rather detailed and if the noble Lord would table a Question I will be glad to answer it.