§ 16. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry what recent discussions have taken place in Brussels about the dumping of special steels in the United Kingdom from other European Economic Community States.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldThe concept of dumping between member States is not recognised by the Common Market treaties but discussions about alleged discriminatory pricing and about overproduction of special steels are continuing. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, is awaiting advice from the industry before replying to the further letter he received from Commissioner Davignon last month.
§ 27. Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether his Department has studied the consultant's report to the National Economic Development Council about the extent of unfair competition against the special steel industry of Sheffield; and whether he will now make a statement on this report and any consequent representations that he has made to Commissioner Davignon of the Commission of the EEC.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldThe report, which was made last August, was concerned with the reasons why imports are taking a larger share of the domestic market for certain special steels. It was carefully studied by my Department which is working closely with the NEDO iron and steel sector working party about the issues it raises. My right hon. Friend is also in touch with Commissioner Davignon, who has responded sympathetically to his request for measures to secure a more orderly Community market for these products. We have offered Government help to the Sheffield industry under our various schemes for encouraging industrial investment.