§ Mr. LathamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from the hosiery and knitwear industry in the east midlands regarding the current state of trade; what reply he has sent; and what action he intends to take in this matter.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe Department takes a close interest in matters of concern to the knitwear industry and has taken into consideration the many letters and representations received over the past year.
My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Trade met the Knitting Industries Federation on 11 September and more recently the Apparel, Knitting and Textiles Alliance on 4 October to discuss current issues.
153WThe Government will continue to act to defend the knitwear and hosiery industry on trade issues where it is in the United Kingdom's overall economic interest and within the constraints of our EC and GATT obligations.