§ 13. Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he has made in his discussions with the Eireann Government over the supply of cheese to the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesMy negotiations with overseas suppliers are continuing. In mid-December, applications were made by the British industry to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade for anti-dumping or countervailing duties on imports of a wide range of cheeses. My right hon. Friend announced this morning that he has found a prima facie case and is proceeding to a full investigation. He has also said that, if there is evidence of a significant increase in dumped or subsidised imports meantime or of other developments likely to precipitate a collapse of market prices, provisional duties will be imposed immediately.
§ Mr. MillsIn welcoming that statement, may I ask the Minister to bear in mind that this delay, particularly with the Irish Government, cannot be tolerated any longer and that they must be convinced of the need to reduce their exports of cheese to this country? Will the hon. Gentleman redouble his efforts in this way?
§ Mr. HughesCertainly, we are negotiating as vigorously as we can with overseas suppliers. I am grateful to the hon. Member for the welcome he has given to the action which has now been taken and which, I agree, is significant.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltIs the Minister aware that the delay which occurs between the making of an application and the taking of a decision is the most dangerous in connection with any import? What steps is the hon. Gentleman taking to ensure that that interval is reduced to an absolute minimum?
§ Mr. HughesThe hon. Member will be aware that this is a matter for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. In this case, however, as he will know, and the House will appreciate, there was no delay and the action taken was very expeditious.