Senator JESSOP (SOUTH AUSTRALIA) -Can the Minister representing the Minister for Overseas Trade say whether clothing imports from Korea, Taiwan, India and Hong Kong have almost entirely stopped in recent weeks? Is it a fact that no quota exists with respect to the import of goods from communist China and that such imports are flowing freely into Australia? Is the Minister aware of the confusion and uncertainty caused to manufacturers' agents throughout Australia who are unable to fulfil orders due to the Government's stop-go trading policy?

Senator WRIEDT - As the honourable senator would know, the Government had negotiations some three or four months ago with the countries mentioned. By agreement voluntary restraint was placed on the export of textiles from those countries to Australia. I am not aware of the specific quotas which now apply but my understanding is that the level of imports has been set currently at 20 per cent above the 1972-73 level. This will enable Australian manufacturers to get the share of the market which they had before the 70 per cent lift in imports of textiles during 1973-74. But to get the precise information which the honourable senator seeks I shall have to refer the question to the Minister.