§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry what progress is being made in discussions on a commodity agreement for cotton; and what is the United Kingdom position in this matter.
§ Mr. CryerThe first preparatory meeting on cotton, under the UNCTAD integrated programme for commodities, was held in June this year. Detailed discussions are to follow at the level of intergovernmental experts, whose first meeting is scheduled for February 1978. The United Kingdom, in co-ordination with the EEC, intends to play an active and constructive part in discussions aimed at reaching a commodity agreement in cotton.