§ Mr. Wintertonasked the Prime Minister whether he has received any representations from the Shirt, Collar and Tie Manufacturers' Association; and what reply he has sent.
§ The Prime MinisterYes. I received a letter from the Chairman of the Shirt, Collar and Tie Manufacturers' Federation on 2nd January. In my reply on 13th January I expressed the Government's concern at the difficulties facing the industry. The reply pointed out that imports of most woven shirts from sources which threaten disruption are already restricted consistently with the GATT Multi-Fibre Arrangements on Trade in Textiles and that we support negotiation between the EEC and the principal suppliers on restrictions on disruptive exports of knitted garments and clothing of fibres other than cotton and polyester-cotton. My right hon. Friends will continue to watch the situation closely and will be prepared to take whatever further action might be needed.