TNAG-0938-FCO40-1157-Visit-of-John-Nott--Secretary-of-State-for-Trade--to-Hong-Ko-1980 — Page 26

BRIEF FOR VISIT TO HONG KONG BY MINISTER FOR TRADE

30 AUGUST

-

5 SEPTEMBER 1980

BRIEF 3

TEXTILES BRIEF

BACKGROUND POINTS (NOT MFA)

1.

UK textile and clothing industries account for 2% of UK's GDP, 5% of exports and 10% of employment in manufacturing industry

2.

The industry has lost over 700,000 jobs since 1950, 30,000 in 1979 and 50,000 in the first half of 1980.

3.

While manpower has fallen, productivity has improved significantly, through technological changes and good industrial

relations.

4.

The industry attributes its difficulties to continuing pressure from imports not only form low cost sources but some developed countries. Recession, the strength of sterling and high interest rates are also blamed.

5.

5% of UK exports is accounted for by clothing and textiles, £2, 300 million in 1979.

6.

The wool textile industry is the most successful exporter.

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