HC Deb 18 May 1981 vol 5 c20W
Mr. Sheerman

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will provide aid to the United Kingdom textile industry similar to that which other European Economic Community countries are providing.

Mr. MacGregor

The United Kingdom textile industry already receives aid, which since May 1979 has amounted to some £71 million under the Industry Act 1972 and short-time working compensation; it also benefits from the protection provided by the multi-fibre arrangement and from tax savings on account of first year 100 per cent. free depreciation and stock relief. I do not believe that additional aid—which could then be matched by other member States—is the right or the only answer to the industry's problems.