HC Deb 21 April 1978 vol 948 cc378-9W
Mr. Ovenden

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement concerning the Government's attitude towards the recommendations of the Paper and Board Sector Working Party on duty free quotas for such products.

Mr. Meacher

The Government fully understand the industry's concern, but when fixing annual duty-free quotas for imports of paper and board from EFTA suppliers they have to take into account not only the producer interest but also those of the users and wider comercial relations considerations. Increases in recent years have been minimal.

Mr. Ovenden

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what action he proposes to take in the EEC Council of Ministers in response to the recommendation of the Paper and Board Sector Working Party concerning the need to maintain a reasonable ratio between the price of pulp and that of paper.

Mr. Meacher

I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

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