§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he will make a statement on the position of trade between the United Kingdom and Malta, with specific reference to textiles;
(2) what are the present trading arrangements between Malta and the EEC; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MeacherTrading arrangements between Malta and the EEC including the United Kingdom are covered by an association agreement of 5 December 1970 according certain privileged access to the imports of the contracting parties to each other's markets,
The United Kingdom is the major supplier of Malta's imports supplying some £69 million worth of goods in 1978; and Malta's largest customer, imports from Malta into the United Kingdom in 1978 being £39 million.
As regards trade in textiles, although negotiations between the Commission and the Maltese are still continuing, I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Harrow, Central (Mr. Grant) on 23 January.