MP Michael Moore has demanded that the Government provide the Borders textile industry with the support it needs to overcome the difficulties caused by the economic downturn.

Speaking at the House of Commons yesterday during a debate he had secured on the future of the textile industry, Mr Moore pressed Ministers to take action on a range of long-standing issues such as access to bank funding, the behaviour of energy companies export credit insurance, skills training and ‘country of origin’ labelling.

Yesterday’s debate followed news yesterday of further job cuts in the sector, with 38 jobs to be lost after the announcement that Lochcarron of Scotland will close their Hawick plant in December.

Speaking after the debate, Mr Moore said:

‘The announcement earlier this week of further job losses at one of our region’s largest textile producers illustrates clearly the extent of the difficulties that the economic downturn is causing for many firms in the Borders.

‘During the debate I made it clear to the Minister that failure to take action now and provide Borders firms with the support they need could result in significant and permanent damage to one of the few remaining world-class manufacturing industries in the UK.

‘Although he sounded sympathetic to the points I raised, the test will now be to ensure that his words of support translate into real help for Borders textile firms and their employees. Textile companies have waited too long for Government support – they need it now.’

Notes:

The full details of the debate are available online at:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm091021/hall...