§ Mr. Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for Industry what progress has been made on the European Commission's proposal on Community aid for restructuring, or conversion investments in the textile industry, (COM(78)769 final), dated 11 January 1979; and what the Government's attitude has been towards the inclusion of wool textiles within the terms of the regulation.
§ Mr. David MitchellFollowing discussions between member States and the Commission on COM(78)532 final—proposal for a Council regulation on Community aid for industrial restructuring and conversion operations—to which instrument COM(78)769 final was linked, the Commission failed to secure the agreement of member States to its proposals. The Commission is currently reconsidering both instruments in the light of these discussions. When this proposal was under consideration, the second stage of the wool textile scheme directed to rationalisation was in progress and the question of including wool textiles did not arise. The question of sector coverage is clearly one the Government would need to consider carefully in any further discussion of COM(78)769 final or any other proposal for Community aid to restructuring in the textile industries.