§ 17. Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the prospects for the bearing industry with particular regard to its self-sufficiency.
§ Mr. MacGregorI know that the bearing industry has been passing through a difficult period in the current world recession. The reorganisations that have taken place in the industry should make it better placed to match competition in the future.
§ Mr. MarlowHow important is a strong and self-sufficient bearing industry to this country? If the Government find it to be important, what action will they take to ensure that unfair competition and other activities do not disrupt it in future?
§ Mr. MacGregorIt is obviously important that we should have a strong industry. As I have said, I think that it is better placed than in the past to take advantage of the upturn when it comes. I imagine that when referring to unfair competition my hon. Friend has in mind the undertaking that the EEC Commission won from Japanese producers on price levels of exports to the Community last year. I know that my hon. Friend took a close interest in that undertaking, which followed a case brought by the European trade association that alleged the existence of dumping. We are still awaiting the relevant statistics to assess whether the agreement is being adhered to and what effects it is having on United Kingdom industry.