HC Deb 31 October 2002 vol 391 c969W
24. Andy Burnham

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement about the future of the UK textiles industry. [76444].

Alan Johnson

The UK textiles and clothing industry faces a number of tough challenges to its competitive future. Globalisation has placed increasing pressure on it continually to raise its game to remain competitive and UK manufacturers need to adapt and modernise if they are to respond positively to the pace of change.

The DTI is committed to building a sustainable future for the industry and strongly supports the industry's own Textiles and Clothing Strategy Group which aims to increase its competitiveness through the development of innovative products, more efficient production methods and by diversifying into new markets.