§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on the outcome of the discussions between the Minister for Trade, and representatives of the textile industry, which took place during a visit to textile factories in Lancashire or. 29 January.
§ Mr. Peter ReesMy programme was arranged with the north-east Lancashire development association and allowed me to visit three textile factories and to meet members of the association and representatives of the employers and unions in the north-east Lancashire area. The discussions covered all aspects of the Government's policy on textile trade and the multi-fibre arrangement and provided me with a valuable opportunity to learn of the concerns of those employed in the Lancashire textile industry at first hand and on the spot. I hope I was able to reassure them of the Government's wish for the continuation of a viable and efficient textile industry in the north-east Lancashire area.