§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps his Department intends to take in order to protect the clothing and textiles industry in Strathclyde after the eventual phasing-out of the multi-fibre arrangement.
§ Mr. LangThis is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. The Government have made it clear that progress in phasing out the multi-fibre arrangement must be on the basis of a strengthening of GATT rules and disciplines, particularly those relating to safeguards, unfair trade, intellectual property and the reduction of trade barriers. It is by progress in those areas that the industry will be assisted in coming to terms with the liberalisation of trade in the clothing and textile sector.