§ Mr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what plans he has to aid the modernisation of mills and equipment in the wool textile industry in the West Riding;
(2) what plans he has to ensure that the present satisfactory state of the wool textile industry is maintained.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThe Yorkshire and Humberside Region has been designated an intermediate area and wool textile firms in the West Riding can benefit from the provisions of Section 1 of the Industry Act 1972. In addition, an industry-wide scheme for assistance for wool textile firms is under discussion in the Wool Textile Industry Economic Development Committee. When the scheme has been finally agreed, it will be submitted to my Department. The objective of the scheme would, I understand, be to encourage firms in the industry 227W to further modernise and rationalise production, to achieve greater efficiency and improve profitability and working conditions.
§ Mr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the future of the low-cost woollen industry in the West Riding.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantIn September 1972, the Economic Development Committee for the Wool Textile Industry published a detailed study carried out by independent consultants "Re-Claiming in the 70's; The Future of the Low-Cost Woollen Sector". It is for firms and trade associations in this sector to consider how to implement the recommendations of the study. Since this sector uses mainly reclaimed fibres, the implications of the study may now need to be reappraised in the light of the greatly increased cost of new wool which has improved the competitive position of low-cost woollens. This sector of the industry is, of course, also eligible for assistance under the Industry Act 1972.