§ Sir John Farrasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how he accounts for the decline in both clothing and textile production in the first quarter of 1986; and what steps he is taking to seek to reverse this.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonAccording to the latest provisional figures, clothing production in Q1 1986 was 8 per cent. below Q4 1985 and under 1 per cent. below Q1 1985. For textiles, production was less than 1 per cent. below Q4 1985 but 2 per cent. above Q1 1985. It is therefore too early to treat the fall in the first quarter of 1986 as a genuine decline in either industry.
§ Sir John Farrasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in view of rising imports, falling exports and 190W an increased trading deficit in the textile and clothing industry for the quarter ended 31 March, he will launch a new financial initiative to seek to stimulate the industry and preserve employment by large-scale investment in the latest generation of British-made textile and clothing machinery.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonSchemes of investment assistance aimed specifically at the present clothing and textile industry are not permitted under present European Community policy. However, companies in the industry can apply for assistance under the Department's national schemes of support and also through its regional schemes aimed at projects safeguarding and creating new jobs. In April this year my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced a scheme to assist universities, polytechnics and colleges with the purchase of advanced clothing and textile machinery with a view to improving the facilities for training entrants to the industry.