§ Jane GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what plans he has to compensate all United Kingdom exporters affected by the increase in import duties in the United States; and if he will make a statement; [76784]
(2) if he will compensate fine art publishers for the costs of the increase in United States import duties; and if he will make a statement. [76777]
§ Mr. Wilson[holding answer 15 March 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 4 March that the Government had decided to establish a scheme for the cashmere knitwear industry to guarantee the bonds requested by the United States. The mere threat of US action had been having a particularly significant effect on cashmere, in view of the highly seasonal nature of that industry.
The services of my official are at the disposal of other industries for advice while urgent consultations continue within the European Union and the Word Trade Organisation.