| Summary: | Changes in the global pattern of textile trade, production and investment are analysed to illustrate the increasing complexity of the textile system as the former colonial model was replaced by a more sophisticated structure. Post-1960 developments in the U.K. and France were investigated with particular reference to trade and employment patterns at sectoral and regional levels. The adaptation of the large textile groups which had been formed in the 1960's was analysed for the years 1970-1980. Case studies of Courtaulds, Tootal, Dollfus Mieg and Coats Patons illustrated the nature of corporate development. Changes in individual textile sectors were analysed by the incorporation of capacity-utilisation, cost structure and barriers to exit as major explanatory variables. The textile "cycle" was identified as an important factor underlying the pattern of change over time. The level and nature of investment expenditure influenced changes in spatial distribution patterns. Analyses of the U.K. cotton spinning, jute-textile and man-made-fibre industries illustrated the factors underlying the different patterns of change exhibited by each sector.
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