HC Deb 10 May 1960 vol 623 cc176-7
5 and 6. Mr. R. Edwards

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the nature of representations he has received from the chemical industry for an increased import duty on ethanediol;

(2) what representations he has received opposing the application which has been made to him for an increase in import duties on ethanediol.

Mr. J. Rodgers

The United Kingdom manufacturers of ethanediol have applied for the imposition of an antidumping duty on imports of this material from the United States on the grounds that it is being sold here at dumped prices and that this is causing them material injury. Those interested have been given an opportunity, in accordance with normal practice, of submitting comments to my Department in confidence and these are now being examined.

Mr. Edwards

I hope that when examining this application, the Parliamentary Secretary will bear in mind the fact that until this year the three applicants were very large importers of this product from the United States of America and that an American firm has started a plant in this country. I hope that anti-dumping legislation will not be used in the way suggested in a trade war between two American combines to the disadvantage of the British consumer.

Mr. Rodgers

The application is being examined against three criteria which are laid down in the Customs Duties (Dumping and Subsidies) Act, 1957. They are, first, whether dumping is taking place, secondly, whether it is causing or threatening material injury to the United Kingdom industry and, if so, thirdly, whether an anti-dumping duty would be in the national interest.