§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he has taken to ensure that the ban on sectoral aid schemes for the textile industry has been adhered to by all member states of the European Economic Community; and if he will make a statement concerning the results of his monitoring of this agreement and the effects on the British textile industry.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggIt is the responsibility of the European Commission to maintain the regulation of sectoral aid schemes for the textile industry, and the Government are confident that it vigorously enforces the rules in an even-handed way.
The United Kingdom closely monitors the Commission's work to ensure a level playing field for British industry and we are satisfied that it is not having an adverse effect on the industry.