§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will introduce import controls on woollen textile goods coming from Eastern European countries.
§ Mr. ShoreThere are already quotas on a wide range of woollen textiles and garments from Eastern Europe. Those fixed for 1974 were on average some 17 per cent. larger than for 1973 while the increase between 1974 and this year has been kept to an average of about 4 per cent. Quotas for 1976 have yet to be decided. A general extension of the restrictions on a unilateral basis would raise problems for our trade relations with these countries. Some woollen garments—e.g., suits and other woven made-ups mainly of wool—are not restricted at present, although, like any other goods, they would, if dumped, be covered by the usual anti-dumping rules. As in the case of restrictions imposed on textiles from Far East countries, the existing restrictions on the main Eastern European suppliers will be replaced by restrictions negotiated by the Community under the GATT Multi-Fibre Arrangement, and in the process some widening of coverage is envisaged.