HC Deb 12 February 1986 vol 91 cc478-9W
22. Mr. O'Brien

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he plans to make a statement on the current state of negotiations on the multi-fibre arrangement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Negotiations in the GATT on renewal of the MFA are still at an early stage, and discussions in the Community on a mandate for the negotiations are continuing. It is too early to say whether we are likely to achieve our objectives as described by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 9 May 1985, but the Community has agreed that an extension of the MFA is needed.

33. Mr. James Lamond

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his policy towards the maintenance of an anti-surge mechanism in any renewed multi-fibre arrangement.

Mr. Alan Clark

The anti-surge mechanism is one of a number of features of the present MFA which we, in conjunction with our Community partners, are examining in the negotiations on the renewal of the MFA. Our attitude to it will take account of the overall package on offer.

35. Mr. Dixon

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last met the Trades Union Congress textile committee concerning the renewal of the multi-fibre arrangement.

Mr. Alan Clark

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry met the Trades Union Congress textile committee on 24 January to discuss the renewal of the multi-fibre arrangement.

46. Mr. Haynes

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to finalise the negotiating mandate in connection with the renewal of the multi-fibre arrangement; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Clark

The Council of Ministers agreed on 27 January that the Council should try to agree on a Community negotiating mandate before the end of February.

48. Mr. Nellist

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he proposes to give special treatment to the poorest supplier countries in negotiations to renew the multi-fibre arrangement.

Mr. Alan Clark

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced on 9 May 1985, the Government are in favour of special treatment being given to the poorest supplier countries. The question of how such countries should be defined is still under discussion in the Community. In our view, the narrower the definition, the more favourable the treatment that could be given to such countries.

55. Mr. Jim Callaghan

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals for social development he wants to see incorporated in any new multi-fibre arrangement.

Mr. Alan Clark

I see no need to strengthen the existing references to social development in the multi-fibre arrangement.

60. Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the negotiations relating to the renewal of the multi-fibre arrangement.

Mr. Alan Clark

Negotiations in the GATT on renewal of the MFA are still at an early stage, and discussions in the Community on a mandate for the negotiations are continuing. It is too early to say whether we are likely to achieve our objectives as described by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 9 May 1985, but the Community has agreed that an extension of the MFA is needed.

71. Mr. Pike

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied with progress being made in negotiations relating to the renewal of the multi-fibre arrangement; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Clark

Negotiations in the GATT on renewal of the MFA are still at an early stage, and discussions in the Community on a mandate for the negotiations are continuing. It is too early to say whether we are likely to achieve our objectives as described by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 9 May 1985, but the Community has agreed that an extension of the MFA is needed.

24. Mr. Eastham

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many representations he has received concerning the renewal of the multi-fibre arrangement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I have received a very large number of representations from organisations representing employers and employees in the textile and clothing industries, consumers, importers, retailers, local authorities and individuals writing mainly on behalf of these interests or the development movement.