§ Mr. James Lamondasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his response to the report entitled "The Winding Down of Textiles", published by the board for social responsibility in the diocese of Manchester, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierI shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what evidence he has of investment by Governments of other member countries of the EEC in their domestic textile industries under schemes which have not received the approval of the European Commission in each of the years since 1975.
§ Mr. Trippier[pursuant to his reply, 1 April 1985, c. 470]: Comprehensive information about the investment support given to particular companies in other member states is not available. Sectoral aid schemes for the textile and clothing industry have generally been brought into operation only after Commission approval. The only
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Belgium Denmark France Germany Ireland Italy Luxembourg Netherlands United Kingdom Hotels—rooms 6 22 ‡7, 18.6 14 10 ‡9, 38 6 5 15 Hotels—meals 19 22 18.6 14 23 ‡9, 38 6 5 15 Restaurants 17 22 18.6 14 23 9 6 5 15 International Passenger Transport exception we know of is a scheme for reduced social charges in France which operated for a time without such approval.
The Commission has now, however, stated that sectoral aid schemes in the textile sector are in principle no longer acceptable and the Government intend to give the Commission their full support in ensuring that this policy is implemented.