§ 13. Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further plans he now has to improve the prospects for fairer trading conditions for the textile industry.
§ Mr. NobleI am currently considering a number of issues affecting trading conditions in the textile industry. In reaching conclusions I intend to take account of all the interests involved.
§ 57. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if 2W he will take action under Article 135 of the Accession Treaty to ensure that the European Commission authorizes measures to protect the United Kingdom cotton textile industry.
§ Mr. NobleAs I explained in my answer to the Member for Heywood and Royston (Mr. Joel Barnett) on 10th May, we could seek to take protective measures under Article 135 of the Treaty of Accession only if difficulties arose during the transitional period, which starts on the date of accession.—[Vol. 836, c.399. ]
§ 63. Mr. Charles R. Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations took place with the British textile industry or the textile trade unions as to the likely impact which joining the European Economic Community may have for the yarn and cotton spinning sections of the industry, prior to signing the Treaty of Accession.
§ Mr. NobleWe have held several discussions with representatives of the British textile industry, including the unions, on this subject.
§ Mr. Joel Barnettasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he made of the effect of unemployment in Lancashire arising out of his decision to allow quotas on imports of cotton textiles to cease on 1st January, 1973; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr., NobleWe have not taken any decision to allow quotas on imports of cotton textiles to cease on 1st January, 1973. We are discussing with the Commission of the EEC the arrangements that will be needed in order to align our textile import régime with that of the EEC which operates quantitative restrictions on imports of low-cost cotton textiles. In their formulation of textile import policy the Government pay particular attention to the likely effects on employment in Lancashire.
§ Mr. Joel Barnettasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make a statement on the progress of his discussions with officials of the European Economic Community on imports of cotton textiles:
3W(2) if he will make regular monthly progress reports on his discussions with officials of the European Economic Community on imports of cotton textiles.
§ Mr. NobleWe are currently considering a number of issues with the Commission on imports of cotton textiles. My Department will keep the industry and the House informed at appropriate times.