§ 17. Mr. Stan Crowtherasked the Secretary of State for Trade what protest he has made against the action of the United States Government in unilaterally imposing restrictions on the import of certain special steels from the United Kingdom and other EEC countries.
§ Mr. MeacherMost recently in my right hon. Friend's speech in New York on 15th November. The EEC has protested and fully reserved our GATT Article XIX rights.
§ Mr. CrowtherDoes my hon. Friend accept that those engaged in the special steels industry will warmly welcome the fact that protests have been made and will strongly support what I hope will be continuing protests as long as this imposition continues? Does he agree that there is a certain tragic irony in the fact that an important section of British industry is being attacked in this way by the United States Government at the same time as our Government are still resolutely refusing to consider taking similar measures for the protection of British industry?
§ Mr. MeacherI am well aware of the acute concern that is felt in the special steels industry over American action. We have ensured that the American Government are in no doubt about our view that the injury to American domestic industry is caused by the economic depression and not by increased imports. I hope that the American Administration, as a result of the strong representations that have been made through the EEC, will soon decide to remove or modify restrictions at an early date. As for protection for the British special steels industry, my hon. Friend will know that we have secured from Japan, which is the main import problem for the United Kingdom, both price and volume undertakings that will reduce the level of imports of special steels from Japan next year below the level prevailing during this year.
§ Mr. Tim RentonDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that as a result of the "grandfather" clause in American 1871 legislation, especially in the American trade legislation of 1974, it is far easier for the United States to take quick, unilateral protectionist action than it is for the British Government to do so? Will the Government be discussing this matter with the United States at Geneva during the current round of multilateral trade negotiations?
§ Mr. MeacherThe answer is certainly "Yes". On 15th November my right hon. Friend made special reference to this fact. It is true that the "grandfather" clause gives America special privileges. They are wearing a little thin after such a long time, but they will be on the agenda for the MTNs.