§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Scottish carpet manufacturing industry, with particular reference to European competition and European Community regulations; what plans he has to promote, enhance and develop the Scottish carpet industry; and when he next plans to meet representatives of the industry to discuss economic advancement. [9288]
§ Mr. George KynochThe census of employment estimates that in September 1993 some 1,300 people were employed in the Scottish carpet manufacturing industry. A wide range of business development advice and assistance to the industry is available from the Scottish Office, the Scottish Enterprise network and the Scottish Textiles Association.
Article 92 of the treaty of Rome requires that all support to the carpet industry from any public source has to comply with the European Community state aid rules. Where aid has been found to be incompatible with the rules the European Commission has ordered its repayment The UK Government monitor closely cases which arise in other member states. The Government also maintain close contact with representatives from the UK carpet industry.