§ Mr. BarronTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to make an announcement on the RETEX scheme to help areas hit by decline of the textile industries.
§ Mr. LeighOn 20 December the European Commission agreed a draft proposal for a RETEX scheme on which it will invite comments from member states and the European Parliament in the coming weeks. I have not yet542W received the draft proposal. The Government will naturally seek to ensure the maximum effective coverage of United Kingdom textile areas.