§ 15. Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about the position of the United Kingdom paper industry in relation to current international negotiations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NobleWe have been in close and constant touch with the United Kingdom paper and board industry about the negotiations in Brussels between the EEC and the EFTA non-candidate countries. We shall continue to consult the United Kingdom industry as these negotiations proceed.
§ Mr. MoateIs it not the case that there is great fear in the British paper industry, which is still employing some 80,000 people who are likely to get the worst of both worlds by entry into the EEC and who have expressed dissatisfaction with the latest proposals from the Government? If the Government are prepared to issue warnings to the Japanese about such matters as ball-bearings and their aggressive selling techniques, would it not be helpful to do the same to Scandinavians on the question of the sale of paper to this country?
§ Mr. NobleI appreciate that the paper industry has expressed considerable fears but as far as I am aware—and I have met its leaders on one or two occasions recently—it is not worried about any statement from the Government but about the mandate produced in Brussels, with which the United Kingdom has already expressed disagreement.
§ Mr. Arthur LewisIs it not a fact that, while Britain may have expressed 13 its disagreement, if the Council of Ministers nevertheless comes to an agreement, whether the paper makers like it or not, this House can do nothing about it once the Government have agreed with the Council of Ministers in Brussels?
§ Mr. NobleThe key to the reply is in the hon. Gentleman's last few words. Once we have agreed with the Council of Ministers there is nothing else we can do, but we are doing our best to see that the right answer is achieved both for our former partners in EFTA and for our own paper industry.