HC Deb 26 July 1977 vol 936 c185W
Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what discussions took place with British' Leyland, when the new Mini project was discussed, in relation to purchasing the requirements for the project in the United Kingdom; what proportion of the orders for this have been placed in the United Kingdom, and what proportion overseas; and what discussions have taken place between British Leyland, the NEB and his Department on this project.

Mr. Les Huckfield

Under arrangements established between my Department and the company there have been a number of discussions about likely orders of

Million kilograms
1957 1967 1975 1976
France 265.0 234.7 172.7 190.6
Belgium 111.4 65.3 42.1 n.a.
Netherlands† 73.8 55.9 29.3 32.7
Federal Republic of Germany 308.0 249.7 192.1 208.0
Italy 175.5 194.6 138.1 161.2
United Kingdom 329.9 174.0 100.2* 106.9†
*53 weeks.
†Includes mixture yarns predominatly of cotton

SourceTextile Statistics Bureau.

Mr. Cyril Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) if he will make special and temporary help available to the United Kingdom spinning industry, including a freeze on imports of cheap cotton yarns;

(2) if he will make a statement as to the findings of his investigation into the textile spinning industry and its problems.

Mr. Cryer

We are studying the cotton-spinning industry's position urgently in the light of the various representations that have been made.