§ Mr. HendersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his assessment of the implications for sales of cotton goods in north-east Lancashire if the multi-fibre arrangement is not renewed.
§ Mr. Redwood[holding answer 18 April 1990]: The implications of the non-renewal of the multi-fibre arrangement for sales of cotton goods produced in north-east Lancashire will depend on a number of factors. These include the exact arrangements for phasing out MFA restrictions over a transitional period, which remain to be negotiated, and the extent to which Lancashire production is competitive in meeting the needs of customers. The Government are continuing to press the case within the EC for satisfactory transitional arrangements.