§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the expected consequence for British imports of textiles from Mediterranean associates of the European Economic Community—namely Turkey, Israel, Greece, Malta, Spain, Tunisia and Morocco—in the light of proposed British membership of the European Economic Community; what has been the annual value and volume of such imports in the last three years; and what current discussions are taking place with the textile industry to assess the employment consequences of such changing textile trade.
§ Mr. NobleWe are discussing with the EEC the terms of the mandates for negotiations with the Mediterranean associates on the adaptation of the present agreements to the enlarged Community. Restrictions on cotton textile imports into the United Kingdom from these countries are included in the matters under discussion, and I cannot yet say what the consequence of our accession to these agreements will be.
Our imports of cotton textiles from these countries during the last three years have been as follows:
cost to public funds of the Lockheed TriStar, and the A300 B Airbus, respectively.
§ Mr. OnslowThe only element of either aircraft for which the British Government is providing funds is the RB211 engine for the Lockheed TriStar. The total estimated cost from 4th February, 1971 is about £190 million-£195 million.