§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Industry, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Bridgwater (Mr. King) on 15th November 1976, whether any action has been taken in response to the recommendation from the sector working party on the wool textile industry that there should be an urgent examination of the impact of the imminent increases in water and effluent charges on the industry's competitiveness, and a comparison of these charges with those borne by the industry's competitors in the EEC, with a view to securing immediate relief and eventual harmonisation of such charges in the EEC.
Mr. Alan WilliamsA joint working party of the Yorkshire Water Authority and the Wool Textile Delegation, with observers from my Department and the Department of the Environment, was set up in March to examine these matters.246W The working party has held two meetings and is making progress.
§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Industry, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Bridgwater (Mr. King) on 15th November 1976 concerning the recommendations from the sector working party on the wool textile industry, whether he will state what action has been taken in response to the proposals from the European Development Council for further financial assistance under the Industry Act to encourage mergers.
Mr. Alan WilliamsA further scheme of assistance for the wool textile industry, under Part II of the Industry Act 1972, was announced on 29th November 1976. Details were given inHansard.—[Vol. 921, c. 32–4.]