HC Deb 31 October 1990 vol 178 cc614-5W
143. Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to safeguard the footwear and textile industry.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The future of the United Kingdom companies in the footwear and textile sectors depends essentially on their own efforts to compete effectively in the United Kingdom and world markets. My Department consults these industries closely in its efforts to create conditions for fair and open trade. These industries have also benefited from DTI schemes which support regional development and collaborative research and development:

£K
1989–90 11990–91
Textiles 11,708 7,715
Footwear 490 388
Totals 12,198 8,103
1To date.