What steps she plans to take to increase the level of monitoring of the importation of cashmere knitted garments from China.

Surveillance licensing of EU imports from China on a range of textiles and clothing products, including cashmere knitted garments, was introduced by the EU and implemented by the UK on 1 January 2005.

Does the Minister acknowledge the importance of cashmere knitting to south-east Scotland, an area that he knows well? Does he also acknowledge that cashmere garments are unique in that the raw material is, by definition, sourced exclusively in China? China's admission to the World Trade Organisation rules makes it important for dumping regulations to be monitored carefully. Will the Minister give an undertaking that, during the EU presidency later this year, he will make it his task to assure the local industry in both the borders and the rest of the United Kingdom that that monitoring will be carried out diligently?

Of course I am aware of the significance of the cashmere industry to the borders region of Scotland, and of the hon. Gentleman's long-standing interest in that industry. There are real opportunities for the industry, given the potential for exports to the expanding Chinese market with China's accession to the WTO. Specific steps have been taken—not just the surveillance licensing that I mentioned, but the continuation of the EU dumping regulations that he mentioned. I am sure that, not least on the basis of his interest in the matter, we will continue to give it consideration.