Textiles (Anti-dumping)

HC Deb 02 July 1979 vol 969 cc429-30W

Mr. Trippier

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what action he is proposing to make anti-dumping legislation in textiles more effective.

Mr. Parkinson

The existence of agreements under the multi-fibre arrangement between the Community and the majority of low-cost suppliers together with voluntary restraint arrangements with the major non-EEC Mediterranean suppliers has largely removed the incentive for the import into the Community of dumped textiles. I am satisfied that existing anti- dumping procedures can deal with residual problems; however, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I will be visiting Brussels on 10 July to discuss procedures.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on European Economic Community dumping procedure and indicate the average time that it is taking to process an application from the United Kingdom textile industry.

Mr. Parkinson

Since 1 July 1977, when responsibility for taking action on dumping passed to the Commission, there has been only one case initiated by the United Kingdom textile industry. This was a complaint concerning polyamide and polyester high tenacity yarn for specialised industrial use from the United States. The case was exceptional in that it led to a lengthy technical dispute over product specification and thus took over 12 months to complete.

On EEC anti-dumping procedure generally, I refer to the reply given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Faversham (Mr. Moate).

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will provide information as to the number of personnel servicing the EEC anti-dumping department; and if this is inadequate to process speedily and efficiently all applications, if he will press for more staff to be appointed.

Mr. Parkinson

I am informed that the Commission has 24 staff working on anti-dumping—excluding common services—within the external relations directorate. My right hon. Friend and I will shortly have an opportunity to discuss this and other anti-dumping matters when we meet the Commissioner responsible.