§ 11. Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Trade on what date responsibility for anti-dumping measures will be transferred to the EEC; and what relevant powers will remain with the United Kingdom thereafter.
§ Mr. DellOur remaining responsibilities for anti-dumping action will be transferred to the EEC Commission as from 1st July 1977. The United Kingdom will then have no power to take independent action in this field and all complaints of dumping will be dealt with by the Commission.
§ Mr. MoateIs it not offensive to the House and to individual Members who might have in their constituencies industries affected by dumping that in future this power will be held in Brussels and that Ministers here will not be answerable for its exercise? Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with that arrangement? If not, will he seek to cancel it, change it, or at the very least defer it?
§ Mr. DellWe cannot cancel it or defer it. We can ensure that its operation is adequate to the needs of our idustrial situation. We shall ensure that by continual consultation with the Commission and by our presence on the Anti-Dumping Committee of the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. CryerWill my right hon. Friend explain how he is to ensure that the Commission will be effective in applying antidumping measures, for many of us fear that the British Government have failed in this regard in the past? What action 13 will he take to ensure that this bureaucratic nightmare at Brussels is brought to account in the United Kingdom Parliament and made to provide effective protection for our industries, which are now so badly protected?
§ Mr. DellThe Commission is already responsible in respect of trade within Europe and there is no reason to think that it should not be effective in respect of trade outside Europe, provided that the British Government use their influence within the Community and in discussions with the Community to ensure that the arrangements work properly.
§ Mr. Michael MorrisAs the Secretary of State said, the date of transfer of responsibility is still a year away. Is he aware that experience in this country has been far from favourable and that industry after industry—the shoe industry in particular—has proved dumping and that the Department of Trade has sought to impose only quota restrictions? Will he set a precedent as the new Secretary of State during the years to come and show that the British Government mean to act against proven dumping?
§ Mr. DellI will certainly take action on proven dumping cases where it is in the national interest so to do. That is my determination. We have a considerable number of cases under review at present and action will be taken where appropriate.
§ Mr. JayIs my right hon. Friend satisfied with a situation in which these crucial decisions can no longer be taken by the British Government?
§ Mr. DellThis was part of the Treaty of Accession, to which this House was party. We have now to make this system work and I am sure that we can make it work. That is the objective to which we must dedicate ourselves.
§ Mr. PowellWhat will be the attitude of the Government in future in the face of adverse resolutions of the House of Commons on the subject of the antidumping policy of the EEC?