HC Deb 07 August 1972 vol 842 c1243
21. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action is being taken to protect the British leather industry against unfair foreign competition.

Mr. Noble

Import duties on most leather from developing countries were suspended at the beginning of 1972 under the UNCTAD generalised system of preferences scheme. The industry has just applied for them to be reimposed on certain imports and I am considering the matter urgently.

Mr. Wall

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind especially imports from South American countries where there are highly protected and developed tanning industries? Will he consider restricting the export of domestic raw hides to 10 per cent. of last year's kill as is done by countries such as West Germany and others?

Mr. Noble

I met a deputation from the tanning industry a few days ago. I am considering its representations to me. My hon. Friend is correct. The Argentine, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Mexico, Yugoslavia and South Korea have all tended to be restrictive in their leather exports.

Mr. Maclennan

Has the right hon. Gentleman now had from the industry the representations about which he spoke to me, especially in regard to the effect on our domestic manufacturing industry of the importation of dumped goods from Hong Kong?

Mr. Noble

Yes. I have a certain amount of information, and the formal application was made to me on 24th July.