§ Mr. Nobleasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied that the burden sharing agreement is working satisfactorily as an integral part of the multifibre arrangement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Meacher:I have no evidence that this aspect of the multi-fibre arrangement is not working as intended. The theoretical shares were originally fixed by a reference to a number of indicators, including textile consumption, past foreign trade in textiles, GNP and population; and the final shares were settled by 629W negotiation. The respective theoretical member state shares are:
Benelux 10.5 per cent. Denmark 3.0 per cent. France 18.5 per cent. Germany 28.5 per cent. Ireland 1.0 per cent. Italy 15.0 per cent. United Kingdom 23.5 per cent.