HC Deb 22 October 1979 vol 972 cc19-20W
Mr. Ginsburg

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what estimates he has made of the number of firms in the wool textile industry likely to close during the forthcoming year; and if he will make a statement about his proposals for dealing with the situation.

Mr. David Mitchell

While my right hon. Friend is aware of the measure of the industry's concern regarding its future prospects, he has made no independent assessment of the size of the industry during the forthcoming year. He will continue, in consultation with the industry, to take such steps as are open to him, including the implementation of the multi-fibre arrangement, to secure a framework within which individual companies may through their own endeavours operate profitably.