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Press, 14 March 1985, Page 8

value of stores shares and the rapidly expanding designer manufacturers, are now eager to finance entrepreneurs.

though the consumption of textiles is expected to grow slowly, around one per cent per annum, there is in the existing market room for generous profits. United Kingdom textile and clothing turnover is expected to reach £lO,OOO million in 1984, and a minute part of that amount is big cash. British manufacturers receive little government support. In comparison with the Italian and French state aid, British companies are left to their own ingenuity. Those of the British who are doing well feel they could do even better if the legislative and fiscal cards were ordered in their favour. Their industry cries with justification, that the state should back the winning horses, but the government is heedless.

The industry is struggling after years of contraction and loss to clamber to security.

There are good signs. Many companies are turning in good results. But substantiating the retail surge, imports are also increasing. The textile trade deficit is deepening.

For British companies to reinforce their upsurge, not only must their exports remain buoyant, but more investment in capacity and modernisation is essential if there is to be growth. It will be interesting to see if British companies can win back some of their domestic market now supplied by the Italians.