§ 35. Mr. Woolmerasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's view in the Council of Ministers on the proposed textile carpet and clothing industry aid schemes in Belgium and France; and if he will introduce similar proposals to assist the United Kingdom textiles clothing and carpet industries.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerIt is the responsibility of the Commission to judge whether or not schemes of assistance are compatible with the state aid provisions of the Treaty of Rome. We have made it clear to the Commission that the introduction of new sectoral aid schemes for textiles and clothing by some member States could adversely affect the competitive position of the textile and clothing industries of other member States.
The textile and clothing industries in the United Kingdom already receive financial assistance under existing schemes. I have no plans to introduce any additional assistance.