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Dept of Trade and Industry

Answer

Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with UK retailers concerning their sourcing policies for clothing and textiles; and if he will make a statement. [85330] Mr. Battle: Sourcing decisions are, of course, for retailers themselves to take, based upon their own commercial judgment. However, my Department is involved in a number of initiatives designed to promote the competitiveness of UK textiles and clothing manufacturers, as well as the efficiency of the UK supply chain. For instance, in February this year I was pleased to announce that the DTI would be providing the secretariat for the Textiles and Clothing Strategy Group, a joint industry--union initiative to consider how best to ensure the sustainable development of the UK's textile and clothing industry. The retail sector is represented on that Group. In addition, the DTI is a co-sponsor of the "Apparel and Textiles Challenge", a joint initiative with retailers and manufacturers to improve relationships in, and management of, the clothing and textile supply chain. Developments such as E-Commerce, internet and mail order selling, demand ever shorter delivery times and necessitate a quick response service from manufacturers which UK suppliers are well placed to meet.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

85330; 332 c203-4W

Session

1998-99

Subjects

Clothing ICT Industry Textiles Trade competitiveness Textiles and Clothing Strategy Group