asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the decision by the EEC Commission not to sanction Her Majesty's Government's £20 million aid package to small textile producers.

I received preliminary notification on 15 February that the Commission had decided not to approve the clothing and footwear and textiles scheme. In discussions with the Commission I have repeatedly made it very clear that I would strongly disagree with a negative decision, and that in my view it would be inequitable in view of the large amounts of sectoral aids given to these industries in other member states. When the full text of the Commission's decision becomes available I shall wish to study it carefully in close consultation with representatives of the industries concerned.