HC Deb 03 July 1997 vol 297 c407
10. Mr. Stunell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has for an alternative to the anti-dumping levy for textiles. [5213]

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

Under the general agreement on tariffs and trade multi-fibre arrangement, we and other industrialised countries impose a range of quantitative restrictions on imports of textiles and clothing from certain supplying countries. In addition, we can impose other anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties if necessary.

Mr. Stunell

Is the Minister aware of the catastrophic effect that the anti-dumping levy has had on textile firms such as Strines Textiles in my constituency? Some 18 months ago that company had 200 employees, but its market has been destroyed by the levy. The levy was recently lifted, but not before 40 per cent. of the firm's employees had gone. Another 42 employees were made redundant this week. This is an urgent matter. The levy did great damage, and I hope that the Minister will press hard for alternatives that can get such firms back into the market. If he is willing to meet a deputation of managers and workers from that firm, they will be happy to explain what needs to be done.

Mr. Griffiths

I deeply sympathise with the hon. Gentleman's constituents about what happened. For reasons of which I am sure the hon. Gentleman will be aware, the United Kingdom opposed the anti-dumping duties. Both sides of industry were unanimous in opposing them, since the UK market's major textile finishing sector uses imports. I shall be pleased to meet the hon. Gentleman and his constituents, or the appropriate Minister will meet them.