§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Indian Government about the importation of woven shirts from India outside the multi-fibre agreement quota restraints;
(2) what steps are being taken to restrain imports of woven cotton shirts from India which are currently not subject to restraint; when any such restraints will be introduced; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Industry what evidence has been submitted to his Department by the Shirt Collar and Tie Manufacturers' Federation that woven shirts which did not qualify to be exempt from the quota have been imported from India as being outside multi-fibre agreement quota re- 392W straints; when such evidence was submitted; and what action has been taken to ensure that such imports are properly allocated against quotas.
§ Mr. MeacherI have been asked to reply also to the third question as well. At the request of the Department of Industry, the Shirt Collar and Tie Manufacturers' Federation submitted evidence in May which showed that in some cases machines had been used in the production of woven shirts from India which were certified as handloom products and were therefore imported without restriction. We immediately raised this problem in EEC discussions about the operation of the EEC/India textile agreement. Consultations took place in August and September between the European Commission and the Indian authorities with a view to obtaining quantitative assurances over the future level of trade in these products and further assurances that the methods of production stipulated in the EEC/India agreement would be strictly applied. These consultations are continuing. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State saw the Indian High Commissioner in London on 16th September to stress the Government's concern about the sharp increase in imports of handloom shirts and about the production methods used. In the absence of an early agreement, we are urgently considering the use of other measures as may be necessary to ensure adherence to the agreement on handloom products.