HC Deb 26 October 1977 vol 936 cc797-8W
Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what action is being taken by the EEC to reduce the growth of textile imports from supplying countries whose production costs are too low in relation to those of the Community;

(2) what discussions, if any, the EEC is having with Third World countries concerning textiles;

(3) when the next Council of Ministers of the EEC takes place; and what is proposed concerning the Multi-Fibre Arrangement from 1st January 1978.

Mr. Meacher:

At its meeting on 18th October the EEC Council of Ministers approved negotiating directives for new bilateral textile agreements with low-cost supplying countries which are intended to strengthen controls against disruptive imports. Negotiations have now begun with some 13 countries and others will follow. There will be regular progress reports to the Council of Ministers which next meets on 21st November. The EEC's decision about renewal of the Multi-Fibre Arrangement will depend on the outcome of these negotiations but if the results of the bilaterals are not satisfactory the Commission has already indicated it will propose unilateral EEC arrangements, for textile imports from low-cost sources with effect from 1st January 1978.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he will seek to reduce the high tariffs imposed by the United States Government on wool cloth imported from the United Kingdom;

(2) in view of the fact that there is a demand for quality wool cloth in the United States which cannot be met because of the high tariff wall erected by the United States Government, if he will make immediate representations to that Government expressing the concern of quality wool cloth manufacturers in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Dell:

This problem has already been brought to the attention of the United States Administration on many occasions. We will continue to take every suitable opportunity to impress upon them the full implications of their high import tariffs on wool textiles, and in the current round of GATT multilateral trade negotiations I shall be urging the Community to secure the greatest reductions possible.