§ Mr. Robert Banksasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will set out the level of financial support given by each member country of the European Economic Community to the textile industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierComprehensive information about the amount of support given to the textile industry under regional, general and sectoral assistance schemes in each member country is not available. However, I am aware that in recent years the following sectoral schemes for the textile and clothing industries have been introduced
1. Belgium: A sectoral scheme, approved by the EC Commission, providing B. Frs 6.8 billion in 1982 and 4.0 billion in 1983.595W2. France: A sectoral scheme introduced in 1982, giving relief from social security charges of, approximately F. Frs 1.8 billion per year for two years. I am informed that this scheme was suspended last year as the result of a decision by the European Court of Justice.3. Italy: A sectoral scheme, approved by the EC Commission, providing Lire 130 billion in 1983. In addition I understand from information provided by the United Kingdom man-made fibre industry that the Italian man-made fibre industry has received state aid amounting to approximately £1.5 billion since 1975.4. Netherlands: A sectoral scheme, approved by the EC Commission, providing Dutch Florins 25 million in 1981; and a sectoral scheme, approved by the EC Commission in December 1983, providing Dutch Florins 65 million in grants and 75–100 million in guarantees.During 1981–82 the United Kingdom textile, clothing and footwear industries received investment assistance of all types amounting to £50.1 million, together with £27.2 million under the temporary short time working compensation scheme. In 1982–83 the corresponding figures were £52.4 million and £5.5 million.