§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if, in view of the importance to the Welsh economy of the textile industry, and of the difficulties experienced by the textile industry, including the redundancies so far experienced in North-East Wales, he will meet a deputation of workers from the Courtaulds factories in Flint and Greenfield, near Holywell; what plans he has for helping the industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael RobertsMy right hon. Friend met representatives of the Wales Trades Union Congress in September to discuss the textile industry in Wales, and the matter will be covered in meetings he is having today in North-East Wales with representatives of a range of organisations, including trade unions. He will consider the position in the light of these discussions.
The greatest contribution to safeguarding the future of the industry is to restore the strength of the economy. At the same time, rigorous implementation of EEC procedures under the multi-fibre arrangement and an effective successor when the arrangement comes up for renewal at the end of 1981 will be essential.