§ Mr. Armstrongasked the Secretary of State for Industry how many workers have been declared redundant in the textile industry in the Northern region during the last 12 months; what proposals he has to halt the decline in the industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellAccording to the available information, in the 12 months to 30 September 1979 2,400 jobs were lost in the textile and clothing industry in the Northern region, mainly in textiles. The Government are taking such steps as are open to them in the context of their economic policies and the multifibre arrangement to secure a framework within which individual companies may, through their own endeavours, operate profitably.