§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consideration has been given to revising or removing the restrictions on imports from Vietnam following the introduction of the market system in that country.
§ Mr. SainsburyRestrictions on imports from Vietnam are subject to regular review in the light of foreign and trade policy considerations.
§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will impose restrictions upon imports of textiles from Thailand in the light of revelations about the use of child and forced labour in that country.
§ Mr. SainsburyThe EC, acting under the aegis of the multi-fibre arrangement, already restricts imports of a 489W wide range of textiles products from Thailand. Child labour and forced labour are extremely complex issues often born out of poverty and social deprivation. The most effective way to eradicate these problems is, I believe, to improve the underlying economic and social conditions. Open trade, rather than further trade restrictions, is more likely to contribute to this process.