§ 36. Mr. JannerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on current progress in the general agreement on tariffs and trade negotiations concerning clothing imports.
§ 69. Mr. RiddickTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on current negotiations concerning the multi-fibre arrangement.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe GATT negotiating group on textiles and clothing is discussing how best to return trade in textiles and clothing to GATT rules after the MFA expires next year. There is general agreement that a transitional period will be necessary, but its length has not yet been determined nor has the exact nature of the transitional arrangements. The Community continues to argue that integration of the sector into GATT rules must be paralleled by the strengthening of GATT rules and disciplines, particularly in relation to safeguards, intellectual property, unfair trade and access to raw materials coupled with a greater commitment to market opening, especially from the newly industrialised economies. The group is now meeting more frequently with the aim of making more rapid progress.