§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for Industry what further representations have been received with regard to the importing of Japanese and other foreign zip fasteners; what portion of the recent contraction of industrial activities by the Lightning Fasteners Limited Company he attributes to the influx of foreign items; what further contraction of the industry he envisages; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CarmichaelHon. Members have drawn my attention to the proposed closure of Optilon Ltd. It is not possible to say to what extent this closure is 121W attributable to import competition or to other factors, nor is it possible to forecast future changes in the structure of the industry. In 1975 we exported slightly more zip fasteners and parts by value than we imported.