§ Sir Marcus FoxTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the concerns of the United Kingdom acrylic yarn spinners about imports from Turkey have been raised with the European Economic Community in Brussels recently; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkMy right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs informed the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 22 February of the industry's serious concern about these imports. I have previously indicated to my hon. Friend that there was an overriding need to agree textile restraint arrangements with Turkey. Nevertheless, I have ensured that our growing concern at the import levels for acrylic yarn is made clear to our Community partners and the Commission. They have been told of the mounting evidence of damage from Turkish imports to United Kingdom acrylic yarn producers who have been forced to introduce extensive short-time working. I shall continue to monitor the domestic situation closely. If sufficient justification for seeking action from the Commission emerges, I shall act accordingly.