HC Deb 27 June 2000 vol 352 c485W
18. Mr. Moore

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with(a) industry and (b) others about the future of Scottish cashmere manufacturing. [126353]

Mr. Wilson

I meet representatives of the industry and of individual companies on a regular basis to discuss a range of issues affecting the industry. I have written to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry about the current US Carousel retaliation threat to the cashmere and other industries, as well as discussing this with the US Ambassador to Britain. I am also in contact with the Scottish Executive on this issue.

The hon. Member will be aware that we still await the final retaliation list from the USTR. I continue to be hopeful that our efforts on behalf of the cashmere industry have been successful.

19. Mr. Tynan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish textiles industry regarding the trade dispute between the USA and the European Union. [126354]

Mr. Wilson

I have had a range of discussions with the industry about the current trade dispute. I have also written to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry about the current US Carousel retaliation threat to the cashmere and other industries as well as discussing this with the US Ambassador to Britain. I am also in contact with the Scottish Executive on this issue.

The hon. Member will be aware that we still await the final retaliation list from the USTR. I continue to be hopeful that our efforts on behalf of the cashmere industry have been successful.