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markets and one of the items under consideration is an
opening of the escape clause and an opening up of the pro-
visions now in the law for adjustment assistance to companies
and their employees where there is damage as a result of
.heavy imports.
As you know, there is an adjustment assistance
law on the books now, but it hasn't been effected because
it is so tight no company has ever qualified.
Now, we think this is a proper solution for
dealing with many of the problems of American industry
where imports are significant.
We do not believe that it is adequate to deal
with the matter of the textile industry because of the
tremendous size of the industry. This is an industry that
has two and one-half million employees and 36,000 plants
one-half
and we don't think that the type of damage that could occur
if imports continue at the present rate can be met by the
escape clause or the adjustment assistance provision.
QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, did you find the Asians
were skeptical about the liklihood of legislation if-
negotiations failed?
SECRETARY STANS : We met with a degree of skepticism
in some cases and where we did, we invited them to take
their own soundings in Washington through their Ambassadors
or other representatives.