0003230
G.F. 323
Spinning
Weaving
Garments
CONFIDENTIAL
20 -
Production as a
percentage of supply
Production as a
percentage of supply
1960
43%
56%
91%
1969
15%
29%
57%
113.
Mr. Ho thought that if there was a need to ensure that production did not fall below the strategic defence level imports from not only so-called "low-cost" but also from "high-cost" suppliers should be restricted. Imports from developing countries only accounted for 34% of total imports of garments. Baron de Geer said that Sweden was able to compete with high-priced imports.
114.
In view of the national security argument advanced by the Swedish Delegation, Mr. Ho wondered if Sweden would be resorting to Article XXI of the G.A.T.T. Baron de Geer replied that Sweden had once thought of taking action under Article XXI but had not followed it through.
115.
Referring to the Bill tabled in the Swedish Parliament on 5th March 1970, Mr. Dorward observed that import restriction was not among the proposed measures for the assistance of the Swedish textile and clothing industries. Further to a question from
Mr. Dorward, Baron de Geer said that measures to be taken for economic defence were within the terms of reference of the Royal Commission on the Swedish Textile Industry.
Under-garments (other than shirts. night garments, 'tights' and 'panty nylons') knitted or crocheted, not elastic nor rubberised, of continuous man-made fibres, women's and girls' (ex 841.844)
116.
Mr. Strandberg said that production fell by 630 between 1968 and 1969 whilst imports from Hong Kong increased by 670, representing 70% of total imports. Imports from Hong Kong in 1967 came to 50% of Swedish production; the corresponding figure for 1969 was 116%.
117.
Mr. Ho observed that the production figures in the current statistical table were at variance with those given to Hong Kong at a previous negotiation: the earlier production figures were:-
1965
4,175
1966
4,200
1967
4,060
1968
3,026
He wondered what the reasons were for the revision.
118.
Mr. Henriksson explained that the production figures previously produced were not complete; the present figures comprised all undergarments included in the relevant B.T.N. position e.g. half-slips, vests, etc.
119.
Mr. Ho pointed out that whereas the figure for Swedish exports in 1969 quoted in the current statistical table was 14, the one given to Hong Kong earlier was 102 for the first 3 months of 1969. He said that he recognised that prior to June 1969, no separate
/statistics
CONFIDENTIAL