§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions have been held with the Directorate of the Killyleagh, Rathfriland and Rostrevor spinning mills concerning the future of the linen industry; and what action he plans to take to assist these spinning mills. [15712]
375W
§ Mr. AncramThere has been a sharp downturn in world demand for linen yarn over the last eight months. Killyleagh Yarns, other linen yarn spinners in Northern Ireland and producers in other European countries have found it necessary to curtail production. The Industrial Development Board is in regular contact with spinners in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland spinning businesses have available to them and are using a range of marketing and trade development schemes administered by the Industrial Development Board.