TNAG-0160-FCO40-196-Exports-of-textiles-to-Norway-1969 — Page 165

0003230 GE. 323

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But

wool and synthetic sweaters, all under restraint, declined. imports of men's and boys' wool and synthetic sweaters, the former subject to licensing returns and the latter free from control, increased from Kr. 410 thousand in the first quarter of

Whilst 1968 to Kr. 1 million in the first quarter of 1969. total imports also increased, the magnitude of increase in imports

He from Hong Kong was 75% higher than that of total imports. said that production of knitwear as a whole declined by 3% to 4% but production for sweaters, jumpers, etc. declined by 25% in the first quarter of 1969. The industry was deeply concerned with the situation. Mr. Jordan said he could not possibly compare imports which were in terms of value with production which was in quantity. He observed that there was a switch in knitwear production. Agreeing that there was a switch in production, Mr. Fletcher emphasised the overall production decline and the increase in total imports. As for women's and girls' knitted synthetic undergarments, subject to licensing returns, Mr. Fletcher claimed that imports had doubled but the value involved was still very small. Mr. Jordan said that the picture for undergarments was confused because of a shift from one item to

As undergarment another as a result of changes in demand pattern. producers were also making other items, it was very often difficult to demonstrate an Article XIX case. He said that the Norwegian side would have to clarify the situation if they wanted to discuss this item later on. Mr. Fletcher admitted there was a switch in production to tights.

5.

In summing up, Mr. Jerving said the review was useful and that the items causing concern were

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(i) Suits, jackets and coats, not knitted or crocheted,

wholly or mainly of synthetic textile materials, men's and boys' wear (under Export Authorisations). (ii) Slacks, shorts, jeans and trousers, not knitted or

crocheted, wholly or mainly of synthetic textile materials, men's and boys' wear (under Export Authorisations).

(iii) Jackets, jumpers, sweaters, cardigans and pullovers,

knitted or crocheted, wholly or mainly of wool, men's and boys' wear (subject to licensing returns).

(iv) Jackets, jumpers, sweaters, cardigans and pullovers,

knitted or crocheted, wholly or mainly of discontinuous fibres, men's and boys' wear (Free).

He said they were following the situation closely and he could not rule out the possibility of a request for consultation if the present trends continued. Mr. Jordan remarked that it would be difficult to compare the statistics if production was given in units and imports in weight. Mr. Fletcher said they could give production statistics in weight as well.

6.

Mr. Jerving asked what would come after the expiry of the present arrangement. Without commitment, he said there was a

Mr. Jordan desire for continuation of the present arrangement. said that Hong Kong was realistic and would consult when requested, but could not agree to the arrangements becoming permanent: hence there was a need to remove items from restraint when trade was not expanding. Accordingly, Hong Kong would want some modification if the arrangement was renewed for another year. Mr. Jerving noted those points and remarked that they might also wish to include new items. He sounded out the idea of a "quiet prolongation" after 30th September of the existing arrangement. Mr. Jordan replied that we would like to see the whole picture before agreeing to a

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/prolongation.....

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