§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make a statement as to what progress is being made in the renegotiation of cotton yarn and fabric restraint arrangements as from the end of September 1973; and if he is aware of the necessity of early decisions since damage to the industry was caused by late decisions in 1971 and 1972,
(2) what arrangements are being made to continue the orderly development of international trade in textiles, in the event of GATT long-term arrangements not being renewed.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantA GATT working party on trade in textiles was set up in June 1972. A factual report to the GATT Council was presented in December 1972 and the council is now considering a further mandate for the working party. Her Majesty's Government fully recognises the importance of agreement being reached by all the parties concerned on a suitable international framework for the development of trade in textiles, especially in view of the need 409W for existing arrangements to be renewed or replaced later this year. Until such a framework has been established it is not possible to say precisely what restraint arrangements will apply in the future. We are concerned to give all those concerned the maximum possible notice of any changes.