§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many firms in the West Riding of Yorkshire are at present involved in the woollen textile trade; and what is his projection of the number by 1975.
§ Mr. RidleySeparate figures are not available for the West Riding of Yorkshire. In relation to the industry as a whole and for forecasts for the future, I would refer the hon. Member to the study published in June, 1969 by the Wool Textile E.D.C.—The Strategic Future of the Wool Textile Industry. This indicated that in 1967 there were 1,000 organisations controlling 1,470 establishments and that these numbers would be reduced to 600 organisations controlling 950 establishments by the mid-1970's. The study was generally accepted both by the industry and the previous Government and I have no reason to disagree with it.