§ 27. Mr. Leatherasked the President of the Board of Trade by what authority Yugoslav beef is being imported into the United Kingdom; to what extent it is expected that these imports will continue; to what extent the prices charged are below the cost of British production; and whether he is satisfied that anti-dumping laws are being complied with.
§ The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. F. J. Erroll)Since July, 1958, beef which meets our health requirements has been imported without restriction from Yugoslavia and all other countries outside the Eastern area. The question of dumping would arise only if the export prices were below the fair market price in Yugoslavia. I am not aware of any evidence of this.
§ Mr. LeatherIs my right hon. Friend not aware that Yugoslav beef has been sold in the last few weeks at prices well below any kind of economic cost in this country, and that the problem of applying anti-dumping laws was that in Communist countries there is no free market and, therefore, this breaks a gap in the defences of the British farming industry? Will he see whether he cannot do something about it?
§ Mr. ErrollNaturally, I will be glad to consider any evidence which my hon. Friend cares to give me, but the system is that this is a free market in England 1360 and beef is sold at first hand for what it will fetch in this market.
§ Mr. RankinIs there not a free market in Scotland?