§ Mr. Kelleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade what action, if any, has been taken by the EEC Commission under the safeguard clause of the multifibre arrangement of 21st March 1974; and whether imports into the United Kingdom have been affected in any way.
§ Mr. Shore,pursuant to his reply [Official Report 19th June 1975] gave the following information:
Under Article 3 of the Multi-Fibre Arrangement the EEC has authorised Germany to take emergency measures against imports of woven cotton fabric from Brazil; and Ireland to do likewise against imports of knitted and woven suits from the Republic of Korea. Both Germany and the Benelux countries have been authorised to take measures against imports of synthetic socks from the Republic of Korea and the Commission has submitted draft regulations for adoption by the Council which will allow the measures to be maintained for a further period. These measures do not apply to imports into the United Kingdom although it is always open to our industry to make a case under Article 3 should it consider the circumstances justify it.
Consultations are proceeding under which restrictions imposed by the United Kingdom on Turkish cotton yarn from 25th December 1974 might be brought within the procedure of Article 3.