§ Mr. Steelasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received regarding the proposed Scottish knitwear industry promotion scheme; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Norman LamontThe export scheme referred to was included in a wide-ranging set of proposals for additional Government assistance which the EDC for the knitting industry put to my Department last year. We considered this set of proposals along with similar proposals from other organisations in the textile, clothing and footwear industries. Our response, which was given to the House by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 19 March 1984 and subsequently confirmed to each of the proposers, comprised a proposal for a limited scheme of assistance for investment plus help in design matters; we did not feel that the introduction of the export scheme requested would be justified, given the various support schemes already in effect or in preparation for this group of industries, including the wide range of export services.