§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he has received a report from the economic development committee serving the textile and clothing industries showing sectoral aids to the textile and clothing industries overseas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorI have seen copies of the reports in question, which were prepared by my Department at the request of the cotton and allied textiles economic development committee. The Government share the concern expressed by the textile and clothing industries that such aid schemes can distort competition. In so far as they are operated by other members of the European Community, my right hon. Friend has urged the Commission to reconsider the effectiveness of the existing machinery for controlling aids in this sector.