HC Deb 27 October 1980 vol 991 c11
9. Mr. Robert Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied with the restrictions which have so far been imposed on the dumping of Russian-produced greetings cards in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Eyre

Following discussions which my Department has had, these imports appear to have ceased. The question of imposing restrictions does not, therefore, arise at the moment.

Mr. Atkins

Does my hon. Friend accept that that is not entirely so? Is he aware that I am informed by people who are in a position to know that not only Christmas cards but greetings cards generally are still coming into Britain? Does he agree that, of all countries from which they should originate, Russia is the worst?

Mr. Eyre

My hon. Friend knows that contact between the industry and the European Commission about the antidumping complaint is continuing. I am disturbed to hear that there is some evidence of the trade continuing. We shall continue carefully to monitor the situation.

Mr. Sheerman

Is the Minister aware that there is widespread dissatisfaction concerning the anti-dumping unit in his Department? May we be assured that wool textile cases are also being taken up?

Mr. Eyre

I assure the hon. Gentleman that the anti-dumping unit in my Department is good and effective. It wants to help industry. It is willing to receive evidence and to assist in the preparation of cases to be submitted to the European Commission. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will accept that and encourage industrialists who have problems to send them to the anti-dumping unit in my Department.