§ 48. Mr. James Lamondasked the Secretary of State for Industry what talks are going on within the EEC on methods of protecting the textile industry.
§ Mr. MeacherThe GATT Multifibre Arrangement provides for protective action to be taken against disruptive imports of textiles. There are weekly meetings in Brussels about the application of the arrangement to the Community's textile imports. Additionally, when appropriate, discussions take place in the context of the Community's Association Agreements. We have agreed with our partners in the European Community to seek restrictions on knitwear and woven fabrics and garments from the main low-cost Asian suppliers where such restrictions can be justified within the provisions of the Multifibre Arrangement.