TNAG-0165-FCO40-201-Export-of-textiles-to-Norway-and-Sweden-1969 — Page 57

0003230

G.F. 323

CONFIDENTIAL

26

Eighth Session (Flenary)

2.30 p.m. Friday, 25th April, 1969

95.

Baron de Geer thanked Mr. Jordan for the interesting factories visits arranged for the morning. Mr. Jordan suggested that discussions continue on bed linen and towels, as the two sides had difficulty in reaching an agreement over those two items during the previous session.

96.

Baron de Geer said that Export Authorization Schemes could not provide a satisfactory solution for bed linen and towels. If no restraint agreement could be reached, the Swedish Government might be forced to impose import control. Mr. Jordan remarked that according to the latest statistics available, although total imports of bed linen and towels had gone up, imports from Hong Kong declined. In any case it was improbable that restraint on those items would help the Swedish industry.

97.

Baron de Geer said that he could agree to putting bed linen under an Export Authorization Scheme, but not towels. He pointed out that Hong Kong was the largest supplier of towels to Sweden, and was fourth in respect of bed linen after Yugoslavia, India and Poland. Restraint on towels had been accepted by countries such as Yugoslavia, China, Japan, East Germany, U,S.S.R. and Hungary. He considered that Hong Kong should follow suit, equity to those countries.

98.

in

Mr. Jordan suggested that before discussions began on the actual levels of restraint, the two sides should recapitulate the items under negotiation for restriction so as to avoid any possible misunderstanding. Mr. Jordan read out and Baron de Geer confirmed the followings :

Table No.

Description

Cotton

Garments

Tables 11 & 2

Group I)

Table 3

Shirts knitted (60.04.105)

Undergarments, knitted or crocheted women's and girls' (60.04.805) and men's and boys' wear (60.04.705)

Night garments, women's and girls' and men's and boys' wear (60.04.205)

Sweaters, pullovers etc., knitted or crocheted, men's and boys' (60.05.305) and women's and girls' wear (60.05.505)

Anoraks and similar jackets, not knitted or crocheted, men's and boys', women's and girls' wear

Froposed form

of control

quota

E/As

/Tables......

CONFIDENTIAL