asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will consider the problem of the import of acrylic yarns from Taiwan as a separate issue from the present EEC negotiations on textile imports since the EEC does not recognise Taiwan; and if he will take unilateral action to restrain the level of imports of acrylic yarns from that country, in view of the fact that large sections of the British industry are working a three-day week.

The EEC Commission is now preparing to introduce quantitative restrictions on a range of Taiwanese textiles, including acrylic yarns, as agreed by member States. These arrangements will not involve negotiation, and will be administered by the Community, from which a decision is expected shortly. In this context the question of unilateral action need not arise.