§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from Comitextil, the European textile industry's committee, on fears for the future of the multi-fibre arrangement and the danger of a fresh surge of cheap textile imports from Third-world producers as a result of increased restrictions by the United States of America; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkI receive regular representations from the British Textile Confederation on all aspects of the multi-fibre arrangement. The BTC represents the United Kingdom industry in Comitextil and from time to time brings its collective views to my attention.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the figures of textile imports to and exports from the United Kingdom for the last financial years and for 1984–85, giving separate figures where available for cotton and wool textiles, carpets and carpet fibres.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe information requested for financial years cannot be provided within acceptable cost limits. Information for calendar years is as follows:-
239W
United Kingdom trade in textiles and carpets: 1984 and 1985 Value: £ millions Imports Exports 1984 1985 (January to December) 1984 1985 (January to December) All textiles of which: 2,846 3,191 1,733 1,939 Cotton textiles 774 861 112 188 Woollen textiles 263 276 394 436 Carpets 256 273 150 174 Carpet fibres 55 62 11 10 Source:
Data corresponding to:
- (a) Textiles—SITC/R2 Division 65, Groups 266 and 267, and Items 847.11 and 268.7 (part);
- (b) Cotton textiles—SITC/R2 Group 652, Sub-group 651.3 and Items 651.66, 651.75, 653.41 and 653.81;
- (c) Woollen textiles—SITC/R2 Sub-group 268.7 (part), 651.2 (less 651.25), 654.2, 654.3, 657.1 (part), 657.73 (part) and 658.31 plus 651.67, 651.76. 653.42 and 653.82;
- (d) Carpets—SITC/R2 Group 659 (less Sub-groups 659.1, 659.7 and Item 659.63).
- (e) Carpet fibres—SITC/R2 Item 651.41 (part).
Notes:
Imports are valued cif; exports are valued fob.