§ 3. Mr. Stottasked the Minister for Trade what was the percentage import penetration for the textile and clothing industries in 1978, and in the latest available 12 month period.
§ Mr. Peter ReesImport penetration of textiles and clothing was 29 per cent. in the calendar year 1978 and approximately 39 per cent. in the twelve months ended June 1982.
§ 37. Mr. Frank R. Whiteasked the Minister for Trade if he is satisfied with the degree of regulation open to him upon the imports of low cost textile and clothing products from the "preferential" countries.
§ Mr. Peter ReesThe Community has negotiated eight voluntary restraint arrangements with Mediterranean textile suppliers. In all but one case, these cover all products which are traded in significant quantities. However, the voluntary restraint arrangement wih Turkey covers only one product (cotton yarn) and moreover has not been renewed for 1983. The Community has not yet been able to reach agreement on a voluntary restraint arrangement with Turkey on any other products.
I understand that, following the practice established in previous years, the Commission is about to notify Turkey 250W of the levels of these imports which would be acceptable in 1983. In the United Kingdom, Her Majesty's Customs and Excise has instituted special surveillance of imports of the main products from Turkey, so that we can if necessary apply to the Commission for safeguard action at the earliest possible opportunity.