HC Deb 03 June 1980 vol 985 c639W
Mr. Whitlock

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what limit on the volume of imports into the United Kingdom of knitted underwear products was agreed between the EEC and Spain for 1979; and what was the actual volume of these imports for that year.

Mr. Parkinson

[pursuant to his reply, 2 June 1980]: A separate restraint level was agreed only for underpants and briefs. Spain agreed to limit her exports of these products to the United Kingdom in 1979 to 3,300,000 pieces, which could be enhanced under the flexibility provisions of the agreement by up to a further 1,260,000 pieces. This quantity was, however, exceeded, and, at the request of the Community, Spain suspended issue of further export licences. Imports consigned from Spain in 1979 amounted to 4,764,781 pieces. (Source: Overseas Trade Statistics).