HC Deb 02 August 1978 vol 955 cc355-6W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) whether his Department is satisfied that the licences to import clothing from the United Kingdom into Portugal are freely available; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he is aware of any restrictions on imports of clothing from the United Kingdom into Portugal.

Mr. Meacher

In May the Portuguese Government gave assurances to the Commission of the EEC and to the IMF that after 30th June 1978 import licences for goods not subject to quantitative restrictions would be issued automatically. Quantitative restrictions do not apply to clothing but most items are subject to a

Commission following receipt of a formal application, normally from the EEC industry. In this case the United Kingdom industry has been advised what steps it can take to put together a case. We have offered to provide further advice, but have not received any requests for assistance from the industry.