HC Deb 19 May 1975 vol 892 cc252-4W
Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he has now obtained sufficent information from the import surveillance measures recently announced to indicate whether import controls on textile fibres and garments are necessary.

Mr. Deakins

We have insufficient information as yet to indicate the future trend in textile fibre imports. Garments are not under surveillance.

Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will now take steps to end the dumping of knitted and woven-backed coated fabrics in the United Kingdom by Portugal, Canada, East Germany, Hungary and the Irish Republic.

Mr. Deakins

My Department is always ready to consider an application under the Customs Duties (Dumping and Subsidies) Act 1969 if it contains reasonable prima facie evidence that the goods in question are dumped and that the dumping is causing or threatening material injury to the British industry.

We are at present urgently considering with the Department of Industry representations received from the Leathercloth and Coated Fabrics Manufacturers' Association about low-cost imports of coated fabrics from a number of countries.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he has yet received further information from the EEC Commissioners regarding the application from Interlaine, France, made in 1973, for antidumping measures by the EEC;

(2) if he has received further information from the EEC Commissioners on the antidumping application by the West Riding Spinners Federation, which has been referred to the Commissioners.

Mr. Deakins

In the course of an investigation by the EEC Commission in 1973 into allegations by Interlaine, the European manufacturers' organisation, of dumping of acrylic yarn from South Korea, Taiwan and Japan, the exporters concerned undertook to increase their prices for exports to the EEC—including the United Kingdom—and as a result the investigation was terminated. The exporters have honoured their price undertakings.

Following renewed representations by European spinners, including the British Worsted Spinners' Federation Limited, at the end of 1974, the EEC Commission is reviewing the situation. Discussions are also taking place in Brussels on the negotiation, where justified under the GATT Multifibre Arrangement, of restraints on imports of acrylic and other synthetic yarns. The low prices currently prevailing have generally been above the levels agreed in 1973.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on the opposition of the EEC Commissioners to import control of textile garments and yarn into this country.

Mr. Deakins

I shall reply to my hon. Friend's Question as soon as possible.