§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he intends to make to ensure that Scottish knitwear and textile businesses receive adequate and fair support from the European Community.
§ Mr. LangThe EC Commission is giving consideration to a Community initiative (RETEX) to provide European structural fund grants in textile areas. I am drawing the Commission's attention to the high dependence on textiles employment in the right hon. Gentleman's constituency. It is not yet clear how far the proposed initiative may offer assistance to textiles businesses themselves, but in that event I would attach importance to avoiding any unfair competition against Scottish producers.