§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Industry how much remains available to the wool textile industry of the Government grant for assisting its re-equipment.
§ Mr. MeacherOut of the sum of £15 million set aside under Section 8 of the Industry Act 1972 for the scheme of assistance to the wool textile industry nearly £8 million has been committted in offers of grants made and accepted. Of this £2.9 million has been paid out.
§ Dr. Hampsonasked the Secretary of State for Industry what protection he now intends to give to the wool textile industry to protect it from increases in low-cost imports.
§ Mr. ShoreI have been asked to reply.
There are already quotas on imports of wool fabric from Japan and the Eastern Area. In addition, worsted spun 180W acrylic yarn is included in the list of; proposed restraints being negotiated between the EEC and Far East suppliers under the GATT Multifibre Arrangement. The Government are still considering the British Textile Confederation's proposal for comprehensive cuts in textile imports.