0003230 G.F. 323
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Cotton Garments Table 2
(Knitwear: sweaters etc.)
79.
Mr. Jordan stated that in view of the difficulty in distinguishing sweaters etc. and roll-neck shirts, he would propose to put sweaters etc. in the same restrained group as knitted shirts, to avoid any future dispute over classification. After having consulted Messrs. Henriksson and Larsson, Baron de Geer agreed to Mr. Jordan's proposal.
Cotton Garments Table 3
(Anoraks and similar jackets)
80.
Mr. Jordan could not agree to the continuation of restraint on these garments. He said that although Hong Kong imports of men's and boys' anoraks were restricted, Swedish total imports continued to increase. The restriction, therefore, did not benefit the Swedish industry but merely caused a diversion of trade. The fact that the price of Hong Kong imports was the lowest (except those from Taiwan) and that they declined in 1968 indicated that Hong Kong goods were not in demand.
81.
Baron de Geer said the decline in Hong Kong imports might be due to the psychological effect of the restrictions imposed, and the increase in total imports resulted from the switch towards Portugal as the source of supply. The Swedish government might have to negotiate with the Portuguese Government over this. He proposed
to put both the men's and boys' and women's and girls' items under export authorisation because Hong Kong was still a major supplier. Mr. Jordan noted Earon de Geer's suggestion.
Cotton Garments Table 4
(Blouses)
82.
Baron de Geer pointed out the increase in imports of Hong Kong made blouses and the decline of the Portuguese counterpart. Mr. Jordan remarked that in fact imports of Hong Kong blouses during January to February 1968 were much higher than those for the same period in 1969. There was little trade in embroidered blouses. He suggested that if there was a need for restriction on blouses. he would propose to group blouses and shirts in one category to facilitate administration. Baron de Geer agreed.
Cotton Garments Table 5
(Woven shirts)
83.
See paragraph 82.
Cotton Garments Table 6 (Night garments)
84.
Mr. Jordan pointed out that while imports from all sources declined, Hong Kong's share dropped even more, so much so that it ́ appeared unlikely that Hong Kong would have used up the quota available when the agreement expired. He suggested that the restriction on those garments be lifted. Baron de Geer said that demand seemed to be turning towards synthetic fibre night garments, although his government had not, so far, asked for consultations. Mr. Jordan replied that if that was happening, it was probably in the women's and girls' sector; Hong Kong mainly exported men's and boys' garments. Instead of an export authorisation, he suggested that Hong Kong could, as an alternative, provide export
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