§ Mr. Proctorasked the Minister for Trade whether he has any evidence to show that restrictions imposed by the multi-fibre arrangement increase the cost of clothes available in British shops; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Rees[pursuant to his reply,17 May 1982, c. 6.]: I am aware of a report by the Consumers' Association in August 1979 which stated that prices of clothing had risen as a result of the multi-fibre arrangement. This report was subsequently challenged by the textile industry on the ground that it had not succeeded in isolating the effect of quotas on prices from other factors.