§ Mr. Frank R. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for Industry what action the Government propose to take on imports of cotton yarn.
§ Mr. MeacherIn my speech in the Adjournment debate on 27th November I said that the Government were urgently reviewing the courses of action open to us and that there was no assurance that the present terms of entry to our market for imported yarns would continue.
I wish to inform the House that our proposals to limit the level of imports into our market of cotton yarn from Turkey and Greece by means of import quotas have been received with sympathy and understanding by our colleagues in the Community. These proposals to apply safeguards under the Mediterranean Association Agreements involved notifying the countries concerned of the Community's decision and discussing with them the level of restraints. This is being done with all speed. The eventual level of restraints will be decided in these consultations. With effect from 25th December 1974 imports of cotton yarn from Greece and Turkey will be subject to import licensing. The Department of Trade will be announcing details of the arrangements as soon as possible.
We have also discussed within the Community a derogation from the EEC's Common Liberalisation List which will continue to make imports from presently controlled sources, principally India, Pakistan and Hong Kong subject to quota restrictions in 1975.
These sources will continue to be restricted in 1975. The precise terms of this derogation will be announced shortly.