§ 23. Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received on the Silbertson report on the multi-fibre arrangement.
§ Mr. ChannonSince I gave an answer to questions from my hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton) on 16 January, further representations have been received recently on both the future of the multi-fibre arrangement and on the Silberston report from companies in the textile and clothing industry, representatives of trade unions in that industry, and from one retailer. I have also had consultative meetings with interested parties about the multi-fibre arrangement which have taken into account the findings of the Silberston report.
§ 30. Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the latest position regarding the negotiation of a further multi-fibre arrangement; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonThe European Community will need to agree its general policy approach before July of this year, when the GATT textiles committee has to consider whether the multi-fibre arrangement should be extended, modified or discontinued. Further negotiations will then ensue, before the MFA expires in July 1986.
Before deciding the United Kingdom approach to the negotiations, I am consulting interested parties.