§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government: (1) whether, in the negotiations anent the proposed "Outer Seven" Agreement they will have regard to the possibility, under the Agreement if concluded, of heavy, competitively low priced, imports of finished paper from Sweden and to the consequent injurious effects which such imports would impose on the paper-making industry in the south of Scotland; and (2) whether in the aforesaid negotiations, they have proposals in mind to avoid such a possibility.]
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (THE EARL OF DUNDEE)My Lords, I understand that my noble friend the Lord President will be making a statement later this afternoon about the outcome of the Ministerial discussions in Stockholm on the subject of a European Free Trade Association. Representations have been made to my right honourable friend the President of the Board of Trade, that the formation of a free trade association of these countries might have adverse effects on the paper industry in Scotland, as well as in the rest of the United Kingdom. Similar representations have been made to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. These representations have been taken fully into account, together with the views of other industries.
The negotiations for the drafting of a Convention for a free trade association of the seven countries will be taking place shortly. In those negotiations Her Majesty's Government will have fully in mind the desirability that appropriate rules for fair competition should be included in the Convention.