Written question asked by Eric Clarke (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 July 2000. It was answered by Brian Wilson (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 July 2000 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, What steps the Government has taken to avoid the Scottish textiles industry being adversely affected by the trade dispute between the USA and the European Union. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Eric Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps the Government have taken to avoid the Scottish textiles industry being adversely affected by the trade dispute between the USA and the European Union. [130582] Mr. Wilson: The Government have been lobbying the United States hard to push the message that the retaliation faced by the United Kingdom should be reduced in view of our constructive approach to trying to find a solution to the banana dispute. The Government are also playing a major role within the European Community to reach a World Trade Organisation-compatible resolution to this dispute. I shall continue to have discussions with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Scottish Executive on how we can best help the cashmere industry should it remain in the retaliation list.

Secondary information