HC Deb 08 February 1980 vol 978 cc404-5W
Mr. Woolmer

asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) what assessments have been made concerning the impact of the accession of Greece, Spain and Portugal to the European Community on the United Kingdom's textiles and clothing industries; and if no such studies have been carried out, if he will institute them as a matter of urgency;

(2) if he will give details similar to those published in the supplementary memorandum by the Departments of Trade and Industry on page 33 of the 16th report of the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Communities (Session 1978–79), of those specific European Commission documents which have been issued for discussion since June 1978 and which derive from the principles contained in the Commission document R2118/78, on textiles and clothing industries; and, where a response by the Government to the Commission has already been made, what that response was.

Mr. David Mitchell

I will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Woolmer

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what progress on improving the statistical information on the textiles and clothing industries trading balance both in the United Kingdom and in Europe has been made since June 1978; and if he will indicate what priority has been given to this in view of the restrictions on business statistics services recently announced by his Department.

Mr. David Mitchell

Since June 1978, some additional headings have been introduced into the nomenclature of goods for the external trade statistics of the European Community and statistics of trade between member States (NIMEXE), and into the United Kingdom trade statistics. Details of the changes can be obtained by reference to Commission documents, Regulation 2714/77 Vol. 20 L325 of 19.12.77; Regulation 2915/78 Volume 21 L353, 18.12.78; and Regulation 3602/79 Volume 22 L346, which is awaiting publication and by reference to Her Majesty's Customs and Excise tariff.

In considering the scope for reducing the provision of statistical services by my Department account will be taken of the requirements of the textiles and clothing industries together with those of other industries.

Back to