asked the Secretary of State for Industry what discussions he has had with representatives of the textile industry with a view to alleviating their current difficulties.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps he is taking to support the wool and textile industries of Yorkshire and Lancashire at the present time.

I believe that the present difficulties are due mainly to lack of demand in the textile industry. It is to be expected that demand will recover if the present high level of consumer buying of textiles continues. The Government have taken further steps recently to contain disruptive imports.