§ Mr. LeeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the outcome of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade textiles committee meeting held on 16 May; and if he will make a statement on his policy on renewal of the multi-fibre arrangement for 17 months on existing terms.
§ Mr. SainsburyThe textiles committee discussed the basis on which the multi-fibre arrangement should be extended after its expiry on 31 July this year. No decision was reached. A further meeting is expected in mid-June. The European Community, on behalf of the United Kingdom and the other member states, is proposing a 17-month extension on existing terms.