HC Deb 01 May 1959 vol 604 cc167-8W
Mr. Hale

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increasing competition from foreign textile industries established inside United Kingdom traditional home markets, he has had or will have consultations with the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, with a view to the initiation of discussions for the revision of the Congo Basin Treaties.

Sir D. Eccles

As was stated in reply to a previous Question by the hon. Member, the revision of these Treaties, even if practicable. would not by itself help our textile exports to the area.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I have maintained close consultation throughout with my right Friend.

It is not yet possible to estimate the effect on the numbers employed in the industry but the longer-term effect should be to reduce short-time working and offer more secure employment to those engaged in it