Written question asked by Bill Wiggin (Conservative) on Friday, 9 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 July 2004. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Thursday, 22 July 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment she has made of the current (a) state and (b) competitiveness of the British wool industry. - Including fact that a copy of this report and the recommendations made can be found at: http://148.252.1.12/gifnfc/index.asp.

Answer: Mr. Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the current (a) state and (b) competitiveness of the British wool industry. [184050] Alun Michael: I have been asked to reply. Sales of new season's British wool have begun well, with strong demand and prices firm compared to those achieved at the end of last season's selling in June. But the volatility of the world market and the influence of currency fluctuations and world events may lead to some slowing of the market. The Government/Industry Forum on the Non-Food uses of Crops has considered ways to improve the competitiveness of the wool industry and included three recommendations in its second Annual Report. The Government will respond to those recommendations soon. A copy of this report and the recommendations made can be found at: http://148.252.1.12/gifnfc/ index.asp.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 424 c520W;424 c520-1W; 184050
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Business Manufacturing industries Marketing Wool Textiles Trade competitiveness
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk