§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Industry what representations he has received from the British Textile Confederation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MeacherMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, Ministers, and officials of this Department have in recent months received representations from the British Textile Confederation making three proposals. First, it requested import surveillance arrangements on certain manmade fibres. On 3rd April we introduced surveillance arrangements covering not only all man-made fibres but yarns and fabrics manufactured from all the main fibres. Secondly, the BTC proposed a 20 per cent. across-the-board cut in textile imports. I would refer the hon. Member to the Prime Minister's statement to the House recorded in cols. 1803–1821 of theOfficial Report. Thirdly, the BTC has requested the extension of the existing surveillance arrangements to cover clothing, made-ups and knitwear; we are considering the feasibility and desirability of this proposal.
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§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Industry when he last met representatives of the British Textile Confederation.
§ Mr. MeacherMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State last met the BTC on 11th April.