HC Deb 26 October 1977 vol 936 cc810-1W
Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what estimate he has made of the effect of the 45 per cent. to 50 per cent. tariffs imposed by the United States of America on wool cloth from the United Kingdom on the jobs of many people employed in West Yorkshire, and in Huddersfield in particular.

Mr. Cryer:

It is not possible to estimate the precise effect of this very high tariff, but I am convinced that any reduction in the United States import tariff on wool fabrics, given the importance of the United States of America as an export market, would benefit employment in West Yorkshire and in Huddersfield in particular, and I strongly support the efforts being made in this direction by the Secretary of State for Trade.

Mr. Lomas:

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the future of the wool textile industry in West Yorkshire and in Huddersfield in particular.

Mr. Cryer:

My hon. Friend will be aware of the considerable effort and substantial private investment which in the past few years, with the stimulus of two schemes of financial support under the Industry Act, have gone into modernising, re-equipping and restructuring the wool textile industry. The industry has also invested heavily, and successfully, in the development of its export trade.

I now fully expect that as a result of these activities the industry will find itself in a stronger competitive position and able to benefit from any future upturn in demand.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for industry what efforts are being made by his Department to assist the textile industry, and in particular the wool textile industry, to embark upon a massive restructuring programme.

Mr. Cryer:

My Department is operating two schemes of financial support under the 1972 Industry Act for re-equipment and restructuring of the wool textile industry. The first scheme, nearly completed, involves Government expenditure of about £16 million, which will lead to new investment of the order of £75 million. The second scheme, which is in its early stages, could involve Government funds of some £5 million.