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Press Statement No. 404
9 December 1974
Industries Assistance Commission Report
Woven Man-Made Fibre Fabrics
The Prime Minister, Mr Whitlam, today announced
the Government's decision on the report of the Industries
Assistance Commission on Woven Man-Made Fibre Fabrics.
Mr Whitlam said that the Government accepted the
long-term level of assistance of 40% for " traditional"
fabrics of nylon or polyester but not polyolefin) as
recommended by the Commission but because of problems
presently being experienced by the industry it had been
decided to introduce as from today tariff quotas on a
short-term basis. On polyolefin fabrics the Government has
accepted the recommended long-term level of assistance of
22.5% but decided to reduce the present rate to this level
over a two year period.
The Government decided not to accept the supplementary
recommendations received from the Industries Assistance Commission
for an increase in tariff levels for certain fabrics for 12 months
as it considered that the arrangements for tariff quotas should
adequately achieve the necessary short-term protection for the
industry. Mr Whitlam said that the Government had also decided
to extend duty-free admission under by-law to certain light-weight
fabrics including some used in the production of school uniforms.
The Minister for Manufacturing Industry will have
responsibility for the policy aspects of the administration of
tariff quotas and he will announce detailed arrangements in the
near future. Mr Whitlam said that details of the customs tariff
changes arising from the Government's decision will be announced
when administrative arrangements to implement them have been
finalised. 2/.
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The Government has also decided to prescribe the
industry producing woven man-made fibre fabrics as being
eligible for structural adjustment assistance.
Canberra, A. C. T. . AUST LI