§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what efforts are being made to encourage textile manufacturers to take advantage of the recent grants announced by the Government.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantI assume that the hon. Member has in mind the scheme of support for the wool textile industry under the Industry Act, which my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industrial 403W Development announced on 19th July 1973.
Details of the scheme were sent to all firms in the industry by the Economic Development Committee for the Wool Textiles Industry immediately after it was announced, my right hon. Friend held a Press conference immediately after the statement in the House, and he has since visited the West Riding and discussed the scheme with representatives of the industry and with the Press. By 31st October 1973 application forms had been requested by 115 firms.
§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the textile industries with reference to the Atkins Report, and give some indication of the progress being made.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThe Atkins Report, published in 1969, examined the strategic future of the wool textile industry and forecast the likely development of that industry up to the mid-'seventies. The scheme of assistance to that industry under Section 8 of the Industry Act which my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industrial Development announced on 19th July 1973 is aimed at further encouraging the developments which have taken place since the Atkins Report was published.