HC Deb 22 June 1995 vol 262 cc371-2W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his estimate of the effect of membership of the EC on output and employment in(a) the United Kingdom cotton textile industry, (b) the United Kingdom bus and coach industry and (c) the United Kingdom pottery industry; and what has been the change since 1970 in the volume of United Kingdom output, imports from and exports to the EC Six, in import penetration from the EC, and in the numbers employed in the industry. [29440]

Mr. Ian Taylor

My Department has made no such estimate. Consistent information from 1970 is not readily available and can be compiled only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Mitchell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the effect EU membership has had on output and employment in(a) the United Kingdom wool industry, (b) the United Kingdom carpet industry, (c) the United Kingdom motor car industry and (d) the United Kingdom commercial vehicle industry; and if he will show in respect of each the change from 1970 in (i) the volume of United Kingdom output and (ii) imports from and exports to (1) the EC Six and (2) other EC countries, (3) import penetration from the EC and elsewhere and (4) the numbers employed in the industry. [29944]

Mr. Taylor

My Department has made no such estimate. Consistent information from 1970 is not readily available and can be compiled only at disproportionate cost.