HC Deb 30 June 1975 vol 894 cc343-4W
Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many applications he has received requesting the implementation of anti-dumping regulations, from firms in the footwear industry; and how many have been successfully processed since 1st January 1974.

Mr. Deakins

My Department has received no formal application for antidumping action, or the implementation of anti-dumping regulations, since 1973 when an application for action against allegedly dumped imports of men's leather footwear from certain COMECON countries was put into abeyance with the agreement of the industry.

Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he will list those countries which restrict imports of British textile goods, either by tariff, quota or by voluntary agreement; if he will detail the extent of the restriction for each country, by category; and if he will also list those countries against which the United Kingdom exercises similar restrictions in respect of the various categories of textile products;

(2) if he will list those countries which restrict imports of British footwear, either by tariff, quota or by voluntary agreement; if he will detail the extent of the restriction for each country; and if he will also list those countries against which the United Kingdom exercises similar restrictions in respect of footwear products.

Mr. Shore

The information requested is not readily available, but I will be writing to my hon. Friend in due course.

Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many applications he has received requesting the implementation of anti-dumping regulations, from firms in the various sectors of the textile industry; and how many have been successfully processed since 1st January 1974.

Mr. Deakins

Over the past two years we have received only one formal application requesting anti-dumping action from the textile industry. This alleged the dumping of acrylic yarn from the Far East. As other Community countries were involved it was dealt with by the European Economic Commission. It was processed before 1st January 1974, and price undertakings were given by the supplying countries. Following a further approach from the United Kingdom industry at the end of 1974 the Commission has been reviewing the situation. Apart from that we have recently had informal inquiries and complaints which may lead to formal anti-dumping applications. We are currently discussing these with the industries concerned.