§ 34. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he is aware of the threatened closure of English Velvets of Salford and Congleton Cutters of Stoke; and what steps he will take to maintain the British velvet industry.
§ Mr. HeathI am aware that the Ordsall dyeworks at Salford may close, though I understand that negotiations continue in the industry about its future. The final decision must be a matter for the judgment of the owners. The velvet industry has been assisted by agreements with the two chief low-cost corduroy producing countries, Spain and Japan, which will limit their exports to this country.