asked the Secretary of State for Trade what restraints, if any, apply to the import of half-hose into the United Kingdom; and if, in view of the threat to jobs in the half-hose industry because of imports from low cost countries, he will take steps to restrict imports in the immediate future to their current levels.

Imports of socks from the State trading countries are already under restraint, and if imports from other sources threaten to disrupt the market, the Government would be prepared to take whatever action might be necessary.In relation to United Kingdom consumption, imports of socks are small and those from Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan supply less than 1 per cent. of the United Kingdom market.