§ 4. Mr. Fortasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will impose an anti-dumping duty on grey cotton cloth now being imported from Communist China, in view of the increasing quantities being offered at cost-paid prices 6d. below those of efficient producers in Lancashire.
§ Sir D. EcclesNo application has been received for an anti-dumping duty on cotton cloth imported from China. Any such application will be considered but, as my hon. Friend knows, comparisons with domestic prices in the United Kingdom do not constitute evidence of dumping under the Customs Duties (Dumping and Subsidies) Act.
§ Mr. FortHow can my right hon. Friend ascertain the home market price, or the alleged home market price, in a Communist country, where it is well known that these exports are sold at whatever price is needed to met some Communist plan, when they are sold in this country on a consignment basis and not on a true trading basis?
§ Sir D. EcclesI think my hon. Friend will know that the Act says that if the domestic price in China cannot be ascertained, the export price to a third country or the cost, or estimated cost of production, of the goods can be considered by the Board of Trade. We have not yet had any application for an anti-dumping duty.