§ 50. Mr. Boardmanasked the Secretary of State for Trade what progress has been made so far in discussions within the EEC in pursuance of a common policy for the import of textiles from low-cost countries.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe EEC's policy on low-cost textile imports is based on the GATT Multifibre Arrangement, which entered into force on 1st January 1974. As a signatory on behalf of the nine member States the EEC has concluded restraint agreements covering the principal sensitive products in all fibres from the main low-cost supplying countries, including Hong Kong, South Korea, Pakistan and India, as well as taking other measures restricting textile imports, particularly from Taiwan. Where such arrangements provide for Community quotas, member States' shares of the quotas are determined by a burden-sharing formula agreed by member Governments in October 1974. There are frequent meetings of experts from member Governments to review this policy in conjunction with the EEC Commission.