DSR 11C
see the word 'textiles' starting to form on many
faces. I [have been] [shall be] explaining more
fully to the Governor [and his colleagues] [and the
representatives of your textile and garment industries]
the very real problems that the UK and Community
textile and garments industries have been suffering
from, and why the Multi-Fibre Arrangement,, the MFA,
restrictions have had to be extended. The UK
Government fully understands the strong feelings in Hong
Kong about these restrictions. We ask that you try to
understand our position also.
Our textile industry has contracted a great deal. Over
the past two years more than 160,000 jobs have been
lost and some 700 establishments have closed. But that
industry remains an important source of jobs in parts
of our country which have been amongst the hardest hit
by the recession of recent years. Within the limits
that these harsh economic facts, the Community mandate
and the nature of the negotiating process impose we
shall do our best to find a reasonable solution.
The record shows that Hong Kong can successfully
diversify its exports into new and growing markets.
I am confident that theinnate skills, enterprise
and flexibility which have made Hong Kong what it is
will ensure that you continue to export a large and
growing range of well made and reasonably priced goods.
/I