§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make special provision for the textile and clothing industries with regard to the price of energy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThe Government are very aware of the problems facing the textile industry. Larger energy consumers within the industry should benefit significantly from the energy pricing concessions announced in the Budget, worth over £150 million to United Kingdom industry as a whole. More generally, falling crude oil prices in a weak market will also be to the textile industry's advantage if it is prepared to seek lower oil product prices through aggressive purchasing.