asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to reduce the price advantage enjoyed by some Common Market woollen manufacturers over their British counterparts arising from much lower water and effluent charges in some EEC countries; when he expects assistance to be given to the British industry; what steps are being taken to overcome this problem in the longer term; and if he will make a statement.

These matters are covered in the report on water and trade effluent charges in Yorkshire prepared by the joint working party of the Yorkshire Water Authority and the wool textile delegation which is now being considered by my right hon. Friends the Minister of State for the Environment and the Secretary of State for Industry.