§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) what encouragement his Department has given to the shirt manufacturing industry;
(2) how many jobs he estimates will be permanently lost in the forthcoming year in the shirt manufacturing industry;
(3) if he is satisfied with the current level of imports of shirts from foreign countries in the light of the need for a long-term future for the British shirt manufacturing industry;
(4) what is his policy regarding the percentage of the United Kingdom shirt market in the hands of British manufacturers.
Mr. Alan WilliamsUnder current legislation a wide variety of encouragement is offered to the shirt manufacturing industry by the Department of Industry. In particular help is available under the £20 million scheme of assistance to the clothing industry under Section 8 of the 1972 Industry Act. This scheme provides assistance towards the cost of consultancy, investment and84W rationalisation. A number of applications have been received from firms making shirts and nightwear. Assistance is also available from the Department under Section 7 of 1972 Act and under the 1975 Industry Act. Assistance from other Government Departments is available under the Finance Act 1972, the Selective Employment Payments Act 1966, the Employment and Training Act 1973 and the Contracts Preference Schemes.
The Government recognise that imports of shirts have increased considerably in recent years whilst home consumption has remained relatively stable. None the less, steps have been taken under the GATT Multi-Fibre Arrangement to limit these imports. In particular, imports from the main Far Eastern suppliers of shirts are now restricted by bilateral agreements which will be in force until the end of next year. Besides setting levels of restraint, these agreements cover a wider range of fibres than has ever been achieved before. In addition the Government are always prepared to take action where imports from a particular source have a disruptive effect upon the home market.
It is not possible to make a reliable forecast of the numbers likely to be employed in the shirt manufacturing industry in the forthcoming year, but there has been a gradual decline in the numbers employed in the industry for some years. In view of the protective measures taken by the Government and the variety of assistance which is available it is to be hoped that as the economy revives the industry will take advantage of the opportunities so as to increase its share of the home market.