asked the Secretary of State for Industry what action he intends in response to representations made to him by the British Wool Confederation regarding the recent recommendations of the joint working party on wool industry effluent costs.

I am examining with my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department of the Environment, possible ways to alleviate difficulties arising for the Yorkshire wool scouring industry from increased water and effluent treatment charges. I am also looking at the scope for modernisation and the use of new scouring techniques.