HC Deb 09 February 1976 vol 905 cc25-7
23. Mr. Cope

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will now consider introducing legislation to prevent dumping on the lines of the Australian Customs Tariff (Anti-Dumping) Act 1975.

Mr. Deakins

I am satisfied that the existing United Kingdom legislation is adequate to deal with injury to British industry by dumped or subsidised imports. I am always willing, however, to consider constructive suggestions for ways in which the implementation of the Act might be improved. The Australian Act is intended to satisfy the requirements of the GATT Anti-Dumping Code, as is our own Act.

Mr. Cope

Do the Minister and the Government realise that there is a valuable provision in the Australian Act by means of which a temporary stoppage can be put on imports of a particular commodity when there is a threat of dumping, in a similar way to an injunction in the courts? Would not that be an invaluable feature of legislation in this country as well?

Mr. Deakins

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that in the case of the £4.80 suits—which were the subject of considerable public concern just before the weekend and over the weekend—we have put out a vigorous statement threatening the very sort of action for which the hon. Gentleman asked. Our very strong statement said that we would stand prepared to take anti-dumping action, even though the goods have not actually been landed in this country.

Mr. Higgins

Does the Minister not agree that it is only the Government Front Bench which is satisfied with the anti-dumping procedures? What steps is he proposing to take on this matter in the multinational trade negotiations now taking place?

Mr. Deakins

As a nation we are not participating in the GATT multinational trade negotiations, since we do not speak there with a separate voice. It is the European Commission that takes the lead. We are willing to discuss with our fellow member States in Western Europe what action should be taken, if necessary, to tighten up the procedures, but I remind the hon. Gentleman and the House that tightening up anti-dumping procedures is a two-edged weapon, which could be used against this country, if necessary, for the further development of international trade.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

In giving further consideration to anti-dumping measures, will the Under-Secretary pay attention to incentives, offered by Governments of countries in the Far East and Middle East particularly, to aid companies to export to this country? Will the Under-Secretary pay attention to the advantage that that must give to the exporters in the countries concerned and the disadvantage to industries in this country?

Mr. Deakins

Certainly, but it is not merely the Governments of developing countries who are giving financial incentives for exports to the richer countries of the world. We do it ourselves. I thought it was universally accepted in this House, through the generalised scheme of preferences negotiated by the EEC, which allows many developing countries to sell goods to Europe—and to Britain in particular—at very low tariff levels and sometimes with no tariffs or duties at all. This is not merely a policy of host Governments; it is a policy that we are fostering ourselves.