Textile Industry

HC Deb 08 May 2001 vol 368 c59W

18. Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will make a statement on the textile industry in Scotland. [159307]

Mrs. Liddell

I have met with a wide range of people to discuss the Scottish textiles industry. While I am enthusiastic about the extremely high quality of much of Scotland's textiles industry, we have to understand that we cannot compete on costs alone, particularly against low-waged economies. I shall continue to support efforts to promote our excellent textiles industry and to develop new and existing markets which will help to ensure a prosperous and secure future for the industry.