§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many jobs have been lost in the textile industry in the Northern region; how many factories have been closed; and if he will make a statement on the trends since 1970.
§ Mr. GoldingEmployment in the textile industry in the Northern region declined by some 2,000 jobs during the period June 1970 to June 1976, the latest date for which figures are available. My Department does not hold comprehensive information on factory closures. Contrary to the national trend, employment172W in the textile industry in the Northern region rose during the period 1971–74, but since then has declined in numbers, as has the industry nationally.