§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the permitted import quota for knitted stockings and socks in 1977; what was the actual out-turn; what are the equivalent figures for 1978; and what steps are being taken to improve monitoring by his Department and by the EEC.
§ Mr. MeacherI am satisfied that the quotas for knitted stockings and socks are adequately monitored under the present licensing arrangements. The following is the information on quota levels and outturn:
time of the year; and what action he is taking, in conjunction with the EEC, to improve monitoring in this regard.
§ Mr. MeacherQuotas are enforced through the EEC import licensing system and rules of origin, and low cost producers have undertaken to space their 133W exports to the Community as evenly as possible in order to avoid bunching. I have no plans for any change in our monitoring procedures, but if the hon. Member has any specific problem in mind I shall quickly look into it.