§ Mr. Reidasked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received from knitwear manufacturers about the importation of low-cost knitted outerwear and underwear from Taiwan; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe knitwear industry has made known its views on imports of Far Eastern knitted garments on a number of occasions to my Department and to the Department of Industry. Their views on the inclusion of knitted garments in EEC restraint arrangements for Taiwan and other Far Eastern suppliers have been taken into account in presenting the United Kingdom position in Brussels in discussion of the EEC mandates. As my right hon. Friend told the British Textile Confederation on 6th January, these mandates have not yet been finalised.