§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Industry what instructions he has given to his officials who are currently involved in negotiations over the level of paper imports; and if he will make a statement of Government policy on this issue.
§ Mr. KaufmanOfficials are currently engaged in discussions with our former EFTA partners mainly concerned about the level of duty-free imports of paper and board from these countries in 1976. Earlier agreements preclude any reduction in the quotas established in 1975. In considering any increase, however, we are bound to attach great weight to the present depressed state of the United Kingdom industry; though we cannot disregard, in respect of particular categories, the interests of paper and board users many of whom are also subjected to international competition in respect of the final product.