§ Sir Paul Bryanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his policy towards the phasingout of European Economic Community restrictions on textile imports from Hong Kong on account of its open market.
§ Mr. ChannonAs I told the House during the debate on the multi-fibre arrangement, restrictions on textile and clothing imports from Hong Kong, which is a major supplier to the Community, cannot be ended at this stage. But I also made clear that in the forthcoming negotiations I would seek above average improvements in access levels for countries such as Hong Kong which have low barriers to the Community's own exports.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give the import figures for textiles and clothing in each of the last 10 years.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe information is as follows:
United Kingdom imports £ million (cif) 1975 1,207 1976 1,618 1977 1,908 1978 2,387 1979 2,885 1980 2,762 1981 3,163 1982 3,414 1983 3,918 1984 4,705 Source:
SITC/R2 Divisions 65 and 84 (less Group 848), Groups 266 and 267 and Sub-group 268.7 (pan), in the United Kingdom Overseas Trade Statistics; and corresponding headings under SITC/R1.