HC Deb 06 February 1978 vol 943 cc1013-5
19. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will now introduce surveillance licensing of imports of cutlery.

Mr. Meacher

I am considering this.

Mr. Hooley

Is my hon. Friend aware that his interest in and concern for the cutlery industry is much appreciated in Sheffield? What progress is being made with the special study of the industry that the Government requested and in which the industry is co-operating?

Mr. Meacher

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his expressions about my concern for the industry, which is strong. I hope to make an announcement very soon about surveillance licensing, but we have to clear the matter with the EEC Commission first. On the question of the study, we are doing our best to ensure completion of the necessary documentation by the industry, and we in the Department will ensure that this is processed quickly so that we are in a position quickly to take firm decisions.

Mr. John H. Osborn

Is it not a fact that there has been a severe contraction of the cutlery industry mainly based on Sheffield? Is not this as much a European problem as it is a British and a Sheffield problem'? What contacts is the Minister having with the EEC? Is not the culprit still South Korea and its cheap stainless steel flatware?

Mr. Meacher

We have made an application to the EEC Commission in respect of temporary import restraints for stainless steel tableware where the level of imports is more than 80 per cent. The Commission was not willing to proceed, first because some member States were removing their traditional quotas as part of the Community's offer to the multilateral trade negotiations; secondly, because a number of United Kingdom manufacturers are themselves substantial importers of cutlery; and, thirdly, because the import levels are already so high and there is no evidence that the industry could provide for the lower end of the market.

Mrs. Wise

Is my hon. Friend aware that it is possible to comb whole towns in this country and not be able to buy a British knife, fork or spoon but be faced with imports from France, Korea and Hong Kong? Will my hon. Friend expose those United Kingdom manufacturers who are household names and who are engaging in the import of cutlery which British people may well be buying oblivious of the fact that they are competing with home industries?

Mr. Meacher

My hon. Friend makes a very fair point. There is very considerable concern about United Kingdom manufacturers who are damaging the prospects for the home industry by substantial imports. Their name is well known. I am glad to say that the industry is beginning to organise against them and in defence of the indigenous home industry.