HL Deb 11 June 1975 vol 361 cc483-4WA
Lord BARNBY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

For clarification of the Prime Minister's Statement on 23 May (Hansard, col. 1803) particularly (a) if it is to be understood that "surveillance" of imports of garments (clothing) will be instituted forthwith?; (b) when will the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster receive the BTC as promised?; (c) what are to be the promised contacts "sector by sector "?; (d) when will the application reported as "under consideration" for dumping duties on acrylic yarns from the Far East become effective?

Lord BESWICK

My Lords, the Government are considering the request by the British Textile Confederation for the imposition of surveillance licensing on imports of clothing and made-up textiles. The Government will announce their decision as soon as possible. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will meet representatives of the British Textile Confederation at their request on Thursday 12th June. The contacts "sector by sector" promised by the Prime Minister in his Statement will be informal discussions with representatives of all sectors of the industry. These discussions were set in hand immediately after the Prime Minister's Statement. On spun acrylic yarns from the Far East, the EEC Commission is actively considering the question of safeguard action and have undertaken to pursue this matter with all speed.

House adjourned at twenty-one minutes past eleven o'clock.