§ 29. Margaret MoranTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with the UK hat industry about its prospects. [2063]
§ Mr. WilsonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has not yet had an opportunity to discuss competitiveness issues with representatives of the UK hat industry but I can confirm that the Chairman of the British Hat Guild wrote to my right hon. Friend on the 19 June informing her of the problems facing the industry and seeking financial support.
Officials in the Department's Consumer Goods and Services Directorate have been in dialogue with the Guild and as part of that process had a meeting with the Guild earlier this year. Officials are currently updating a competitiveness analysis of the sector with a view to identifying appropriate project opportunities for the Guild to develop. The letter from the Guild Chairman contributes to developing and continuing this constructive dialogue.