0003230
G.F. 323
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8
29.
J
Continuing, Mr. Jordan referred to Mr. Strandberg's figures for continuous synthetic fibre (nylon silk) roll-neck garments which had been included with sweaters. The limited figures available indicated a big increase in Swedish production of these garments which might well be considered knit shirts as well. The decline in Swedish knit shirt production might well be attributable to their switch to these roll-neck shirts, which were apparently classified under the Swedish figures as knitted sweaters. Mr. Jordan concluded by re-stating the Hong Kong contention that if there was any decline in shirt production, it was in knit shirts. Hong Kong's cotton knit shirts were already under restraint and Hong Kong did not export knitted synthetic shirts. As Swedish production of woven shirts was increasing there could be no damage to that sector where, in any case, woven shirts of discontinuous synthetic fibres comprised only ten per cent of that market. was accordingly no case for any restraint by Hong Kong.
30.
There
Mr. Kumlin then enquired what the technical procedures would be for converting E/As to restraint levels. Mr. Jordan replied that if it was agreed that Hong Kong should help in any particular case, he thought it would be simplest for restraint to be exercised for one year retrospectively from 1st July 1968 to coincide with the restraint period for the previously agreed items.
31.
At this point Mr. Larson referred to per capita imports of textiles from low-cost countries by Sweden and other developed countries and claimed that on that basis Sweden took twice as much as the United Kingdom and four times as much as the U.S.A.
32.
Reverting to extensions of existing restraints, Mr. Kumlin again asked for Hong Kong's views of the appropriate procedure. Mr. Jordan replied that his Government had not yet received any such formal request, but it was always willing to consult with its trading partners as provided for under the G.A.T.T. which would, of course, be without prejudice to its final outcome.
33.
On the subject of the current negotiations, Mr. Jordan said that he was negotiating on the usual ad referendum basis.
He could see a threat on anoraks and the possibility of a threat to knitwear, but could not see that with polyester cotton shirts. If it was agreed that Hong Kong should concede restraint on anoraks and knitwear, he suggested that the restraint levels should be rolled in with ex 841.713 and ex 841.465/ex 841.866 respectively.
34.
On anoraks, Mr. Kumlin said the Swedish view was that the maximum addition for women's anoraks for the year from 1st July 1968 should not be more than for the currently outstanding E/As. When Mr. Jordan pointed out that by reference to the E/A arrangements they were committed to 615 on 15th December 1968, Mr. Kumlin agreed to this total provided it was not prejudicial to any future quota level. Mr. Jordan said he could do no more than note the latter remark.
35.
The meeting was adjourned at 12.55 p.m.
/Fourth Session
CONFIDENTIAL
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