§ Mr. Normantonasked the Secretary of State for Industry how many shirt manufacturing establishments in Great Britain have closed down during the past six months ; and how many people are unemployed as a result.
§ Mr. MeacherThe industry has notified seven factory closures to my Department since November 1974. The numbers of workers concerned who have not 185W found alternative employment are unknown. To assist the industry with its current problems the United Kingdom is joining with the European Community in seeking restraints on imports from the main Asian suppliers of knitwear and woven clothing including shirts.