HC Deb 27 November 1981 vol 13 c491W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will take steps to reverse the trend of growing unemployment in the British clothing and textile industries, in view of the fact that much of this unemployment is due to external trading pressures.

Mr. Peter Rees

The industry already has a greater degree of protection against imports than any other sector of United Kingdom industry—some 600 quotas or restraint levels imposed on 60 countries. The Government have made it clear that they are looking for tough and effective arrangements to replace the current agreements with supplying countries, as these expire.