A leading adviser to the Chancellor of the Exchequer was due in Bradford today to talk to trade unionists.

Ed Balls, special adviser to Gordon Brown, will be among the figures addressing a Transport and General Workers' Union conference for the textiles industry in Bradford.

The T&G says that the textiles and clothing industry plays a crucial role in the UK economy, with annual exports worth £4.6 billion, employing 40,000 in the Yorkshire region alone. Yet it, says the industry's decline continues. The Union is calling for government commitment to support the industry's future. Colne Valley MP Kali Mountford and John Lambert, Director of the Industrial Relations Council, Confederation of British Wool Textiles, will also be guest speakers at the event.

Peter Booth, T&G National Organiser for manufacturing, who will be addressing conference delegates, said: "There are many parts of the UK textiles industry which can remain internationally competitive but to do so they need a clear commitment from government.

"We need government support for manufacturing, support for investment in best technology and best practice, support in important areas of public procurement and continued support for skills development and training.

"This is an industry which still employs over 220,000 people in the UK and whose annual production is £11.6bn. Its future is vital not just to our members and their communities, but to the economy as a whole."

The T&G Conference for the Textile Industry was being held at the Hanover International Hotel today.

The union says the value of the industry's exports amounted to over £6.4 billion in 2001. The total value of production for the industry for 2001 was £11.6 billion.