DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY
MILLBANK TOWER
1
MILLBANK
LONDON SWIP 4QU
01-834 2255
CT 1863/1
11/0
+
The Minister for
Imhustrial Development
JA Lewando Esq CBE
Tresident
British Textile Confederation
Dear Mr Lewando,
10 August 1972
You sent me on 8 May a memorandun by the British Textile Confederation on clothing and textile imports and we had a useful discussion on 29 June.
You propose a policy of controlled development for the textile bri clothing industry, in particular
(a), selective restraints immediately on imports of
certain non-cotton products from low cost sources, and the possibility of restraints on other products as necessary;
(b) the initiation of early discussions with the
European Economic Community on a common textile policy in the enlarged Community;
(0)
a statement of the British Government's policy on textiles and clothing until such time as A common policy for the Community exists.
You know already the kind of policy we are aiming at in the longer run in the enlarged Community.. There has been close consultation between the Department of Trade and Industry and the British Waxbile Confederation in formulating our proposals and in determining tralien in which both Government and Industry have roles to play. I believe you share my view that this has been a valuable exercise in collaborative policy making. We intend to keep closely in touch with you as the discussions in Europe develop.
I recognise that our proposals do not correspond in every rompeck bo what the UK textile industry would like. I know you appreciabe tình. we have to take into account other factors, such as the couGUWeg Dun the UK's vital political and economic stake in the prosperity or developing countries, and to try to strike the best balanco in the national interest. In EEC we attach great importance, as I know you
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