TNAG-0631-FCO40-779-Effect-of-GATT-Multi-Fibre-Arrangement-on-Hong-Kong-negotiat-1977 — Page 31

The conduct of the negotiations with individual supplying countries is a matter for the Commission.

2 On the particular points raised by Mr Dorward, the UK recognises and values its special relationship with Hong Kong. But it is essential, if the decline of the UK textile industry and the attendant increase in unemployment to be arrested, that there should be greater protection against low cost imports. This is bound to involve very tough measures against the supplying countries. There is no question of the UK trying to victimise Hong Kong. South Korea and Taiwan, which are also major suppliers, will also be cut back. Given our overall negotiating objective there is simply not enough available for the Commission to be able to avoid some cut-back on Hong Kong's exports to the Community.