§ Dr. John Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether, pursuant to his answer of 1 February, Official Report, column 5, any recent discussions have taken place within the EEC about steel exports to the United States of America; what conclusions have been reached; whether any new initiatives are planned; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Rees[pursuant to his reply, 11 March 1982, c. 458–9.]: 33 of the anti-dumping and countervailing cases launched by the United States steel industry against Community steel producers have been accepted for investigation by the United States authorities. The Community's defence is being co-ordinated by the Commission in consultation with the member States and the European steel industry. This involves regular discussions within the Community, in which the Government are participating fully.
The Community's policy is to defend these cases with the utmost vigour, both in direct contacts with the United States Administration and through the legal council in 502W Washington of undertakings affected. Since the proceedings under United States trade law which are involved are of a judicial nature and involve predetermined procedures, no additional initiatives are currently being undertaken.