The next report relates to a research and development programme in textiles and clothing. The proposal relates to a programme involving a series of research and development projects in the textile-clothing field, to be implemented by indirect action over a three-year period. It would be carried out in the form of a cost-sharing contract with Comitextil—the European Textile Federation. The objective of the proposed programme is to improve and renew the techniques and technology of the Community textile industry to enable it to improve its competitive position, particularly in the light of the oil and raw materials crises which have beset international trade.
The research areas involved are listed in paragraph 4 of the report. They are:
(i) Garment physiology and construction;
(ii) Quality of knitted fabrics and knitwear articles;
(iii) Application of new spinning technologies in the wool industry;
(iv) Upgrading of linen;
(v) Pollution treatment and water recycling in textile finishing enterprises.
It is proposed that 50 per cent of research costs—estimated at 8.25 million EUA—will be met from Community funds.
The Joint Committee was somewhat disappointed that the proposed programme was worked out by the Commission, in consultation with Comitextil, without the normal informal consultations which take place with Member States before proposals of this type emerge. The Committee regret this because the research areas proposed are such that no Irish firms or State research laboratories are in a position to participate. We felt it would be preferable if the programme had been orientated more directly towards the improvement of the productivity of the European textile industry which has to face severe competition. However, if the programme is adopted as it stands, the Committee hope that the possibility of attracting some sub-contracting work from the UK laboratories will be borne in mind.
