HC Deb 24 May 1988 vol 134 cc113-4W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which companies have made representations to him about trading difficulties caused by Turkish yarns imports in the last two years.

Mr. Alan Clark

The following United Kingdom producer companies have made representations to the Department about problems resulting from the import of Turkish acrylic hosiery yarn:

  • Benson, Turner Ltd.
  • Courtaulds plc (on behalf of Courtaulds Spinning)
  • Listers & Co. plc.
  • Mossley Wool Combing & Spinning Co. Ltd.
  • Thomas Burnley and Sons Ltd.

In addition, representations have been made on behalf of this sector by the British Textile Confederation and the Confederation of British Wool Textiles.

Representations have also been made by hon. Members on behalf of United Kingdom producers and of United Kingdom users writing in their support.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action he is taking and what representations he is making to reduce the volume of Turkish yarn imports into the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Clark

Following the renewal, from 1 January 1988, of the informal voluntary restraint arrangement between the European Community and Turkish textile export associations which covers cotton yarn and acrylic hand knitting yarn and was extended to cover acrylic hosiery yarn for the first time, the Department is monitoring the situation closely. In fact the volume of acrylic yarn imports from Turkey has fallen off sharply in the first three months of 1988, compared with the same period last year. The Department's unfair trade unit is assisting the United Kingdom industry in preparing an anti-dumping complaint on Turkish acrylic hosiery yarn.

Mr. Battle

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received from Courtaulds Spinning about the effect of Turkish textile imports on production at the factory at Broad lane, Bramley, Leeds; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Clark

The Department has received a number of representations from representatives of Courtaulds plc, on behalf of Courtaulds Spinning, about the effect of imports of Turkish acrylic hosiery yarn on their business over the past year. Most recently Courtaulds provided detailed information on 4 May concerning the impact of these imports on its activities at Bramley, and at Worksop, in support of an anti-dumping complaint being prepared by the industry.

Mr. Battle

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations listed by date and reference, he has received from Courtaulds plc about the impact of Turkish textile imports in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Clark

My Department has received a number of representations from Courtaulds plc about the impact of Turkish textile imports over the last 12 months. These have either been made direct to the Department or as part of representations made by the sector as a whole. It is not possible to list them in the form requested.