HC Deb 03 May 1955 vol 540 cc1504-5
38. Mr. Hurd

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now consider what action within the terms of General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs should be taken to prevent the disposal here of surplus French wheat carrying an export bounty, particularly during the harvest period when it is difficult for our wheat growers to find a ready market for their grain.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. A. R. W. Low)

As my hon. Friend is aware, the system of guarantees operated under the Agriculture Act, 1947, affords a protection to farmers in this country. We shall continue to watch the effects on the home market of imports of subsidised wheat.

Mr. Hurd

Will my right hon. Friend make it quite clear that the fact of these subsidised exports from France will be taken into account when the Government are considering anti-dumping legislation?

Mr. Low

As we have announced, we shall be seeking the necessary legislative powers in connection with anti-dumping and countervailing duties. We will, of course, consider if there is a case for such an imposition in matters of this sort.

Mr. T. Williams

Will the right hon. Gentleman say who benefits the most by the import of this dumped wheat?

Mr. Low

We get the wheat, and I understand it is wanted.

Mr. Williams

Who benefits financially?

Mr. Low

That is another question.

Mr. Bottomley

Is it not contrary to the spirit of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade that there should be export bounties, and cannot the Government take strong action to make their views known?

Mr. Low

We have taken strong action in the recent discussion on G.A.T.T., much stronger than was taken by our predecessors. As a result, it has been agreed that when the revised G.A.T.T. comes into force export subsidies on primary products will be banned if they are applied so as to obtain more than an equitable share of the world export trade. That is a great improvement on the G.A.T.T. left to us.