§ 3. Mr. Peter Walkerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will consult the President of the Board of Trade with a view to revising and improving the anti-dumping machinery.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Fred Peart)Safeguards against injurious dumping are provided by the Customs Duties (Dumping and Subsidies) Act, 1957, which is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. If the hon. Member has any particular difficulties in mind and will let me have the details, I will consult with my right hon. Friend as necessary.
§ Mr. WalkerDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the statement by his hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary last week that the import of eggs, for example, from Eastern Europe, is so small as not to make a difference has, by its complacency, caused a good deal of disturbance in the industry? Will he on this issue at least ensure that the Board of Trade has ready details of the internal price of eggs should Poland again try the dumping of eggs in this country this year?
§ Mr. PeartAs my hon. Friend said, and as I have just said, any case raising the question of dumping would be considered on its merits. If there is a case and representations are made, the question will be looked at, but it is really a matter for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the co-operation between himself and his right hon. Friend at the Board of Trade on these matters is such that action can be taken quickly enough to be effective?
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs my right hon. Friend aware that, at about this time of year, Ayrshire farmers get excited about the possibility of imports from Cyprus, and will he look at this matter?