§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) under what circumstances he would introduce import controls.
(2) under what circumstances he would seek to introduce import controls.
§ Mr. John Smith, pursuant to the reply [Official Report, 14 March 1979; Vol. 964, c. 210], gave the following information:
It is not Government policy to introduce general import controls. I am, however, prepared to consider the introduction of temporary import controls where these are necessary to protect an otherwise viable industry from disruption. A number of such controls have been introduced.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Trade when he last had discussions with his EEC counterparts about the possibility of Great Britain having to introduce temporary import controls; and what views were expressed to him.
§ Mr. Meacher, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 19 March 1979; Vol. 964, c. 459], gave the following information:
We have had no discussions over the last five years with either the Commission or our EEC counterparts about the possibility of Great Britain having to introduce temporary import controls across the board, although discussions have of course taken place concerning sectoral controls on imports. These have been essentially successful in meeting United Kingdom requests for action in various areas including textiles, steel and footwear.