§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the current rate of growth of the United Kingdom domestic textile market.
§ Mr. MeacherIt is estimated that the domestic market for textiles—as defined in Order XIII of the Standard Industrial Classification—increased, in constant 1970 price terms, by about 3 per cent. between the fourth quarter of 1975 and the corresponding quarter of 1976. The domestic market has been defined as sales of textiles by the United Kingdom industry less exports plus imports.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Trade how many textile companies or firms went into liquidation during the last 12 months; and for what reasons.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThere were winding-up orders for the compulsory liquidation of three companies and receiving orders against two sole traders in the textile industry in England and Wales in 1976, which is the latest 12 months for which figures are available. The reasons for these insolvencies are not known. Corresponding figures for creditors' voluntary liquidations and members' voluntary liquidations are not available.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the current level of textile import penetration in the United Kingdom to the latest convenient date.
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§ Mr. MeacherIt is estimated that in the fourth quarter of 1976 imports of textiles—as defined in Order XIII of the Standard Industrial Classification—accounted for 27 per cent. of the value of the domestic market.