HC Deb 15 December 1983 vol 50 c532W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) whether, in the current negotiations with the People's Republic of China, it is Her Majesty's Government's policy that the coverage of the agreement should be extended beyond the standard multi-fibre arrangement categorisation to include other textile products where China is a significant supplier, for example medical textiles;

(2) what is the current position of negotiations with the People's Republic of China by the European Economic Community Commission over access of textiles and clothing to the Community and to the United Kingdom in particular;

(3) whether it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government that the People's Republic of China will not be treated more favourably in current negotiations than the multi-fibre arrangement countries which have signed bilateral agreements;

(4) whether in the current negotiations it is Her Majesty's Government's policy that the established global ceilings for sensitive products will not be increased to accommodate further imports from the People's Republic of China and that the present basket extractor system should continue;

(5) in the current negotiations with the People's Republic of China, what has been the average growth rate for 1984 of the five quota levels already agreed, including sensitive items; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

The Government support the decision of the Council of the European Community that the Commission negotiations in respect of the textile and clothing trade with the People's Republic of China should be conducted on broadly similar principles to those of the Commission's mandate determined for the earlier bilateral negotiations under the MFA. The current negotiations have just ended, amicably but inconclusively, and will be resumed in 1984. Specifically, the inclusion of surgical dressings is under discussion.

I shall write soon to my hon. Friend in respect of the specific import figures requested, and arrange for them to be published in the Official Report.