§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Trade what information is available to him on the extent and nature of concealed governmental assistance to textile exports from low cost textile-producing countries.
§ Mr. DeakinsComplaints are made to my Department from time to time of alleged export subsidies granted by Governments in textile-producing countries. I am ready to examine any allegations meriting investigation under the Customs Duties (Dumping and Subsidies) Act 1969.
§ Dr. Brayasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will list the tariff, quota and other measures restricting imports of textiles from developing countries.
§ Mr. DeakinsThere are no tariff measures restricting imports of textiles from developing countries, although there are a wide range of mostly duty-free tariff preferences for such goods. Details of the quantitative restrictions on imports of textiles are given in Notices to Importers, which are published inTrade and Industry. In broad terms we restrict imports of cotton yarn, woven cotton goods, and woven jute cloth from developing countries other than those benefiting under the EEC/ACP Convention of Lomé and under the arrangements for trade with the EEC's overseas countries and territories. In the case of some countries with whom the EEC have negotiated agreements under the GATT Multifibre Arrangement, or on which controls have been imposed, the restrictions also cover knitted cotton as well as woollen and man-made fibre textiles.