TNAG-0631-FCO40-779-Effect-of-GATT-Multi-Fibre-Arrangement-on-Hong-Kong-negotiat-1977 — Page 69

REFERENCES

NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES

ROYLE.

1.

WHAT CUT-BACK WILL BE APPLIED TO HONG KONG?

A new textile agreement is under negotiation between the Community and the Government of Hong Kong. The Community's mandate is based on tough and explicit directives but naturally I cannot forecast the result.

2. WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT'S POSITION ON TEXTILES?

In recent years the EEC textile industry has lost 500,000 jobs and the UK alone 100,000. The Government is determined to ensure adequate protection for the British textile industry, which has been severely hit by low cost imports during the lifetime of the present Multi-Fibre

Arrangement.

3.

IS HONG KONG BEING TREATED MORE HARSHLY THAN OTHER MAJOR TEXTILE SUPPLIERS?

No,

but the overall limit on imports agreed by the

Community must be respected.

4. WHAT HAS BEEN DONE TO HELP HONG KONG?

In matters of international trade the Hong Kong Government largely speaks for itself and details of our negotiating position must remain confidential.