§ Mr. Jim MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he plans to take to prevent further job losses in textile, clothing and footwear manufacture. [103643]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonEmployment and output in the UK textiles and clothing industry depends upon its global competitiveness. The Department of Trade and Industry helps the industry achieve the necessary levels of competitiveness in a variety of ways, including through the provision of support to around 25 individual competitiveness projects.
In addition, an industry-led group (the Textiles and Clothing Strategy Group) has been established to consider the strategic issues affecting the industry. My Department has been facilitating the work of this Group and I look forward to seeing the Group's final report in the New Year.