HC Deb 23 February 1976 vol 906 cc105-6W
Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received about dumping of paper products in the United Kingdom from non-traditional suppliers of paper to the United Kingdom market; and what action he has taken.

Mr. Deakins

The British Paper and Board Industry Federation has put in an application for anti-dumping action against imports of paper from Eastern Europe, Spain, Brazil and Switzerland. This is being considered.

Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if it his view that Her Majesty's Government and local authorities should follow a "Buy British" policy for purchases of paper, wherever practicable.

Mr. Deakins

The primary objective of Government purchasing is to obtain what is needed and get value for money while at the same time having regard to industrial objectives. Within these guidelines I would expect all purchasers, whether in central or local government, to give full consideration to the products of the British paper industry.

Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will discuss with other member States of the EEC a speeding up of the timetable for the abolition of the Common Customs tariff on paper imports from non-candidate EFTA countries in order to promote conditions of fairer competition for the United Kingdom paper industry.

Mr. Deakins

Neither the EFTA countries nor the other member States of the EEC have so far expressed any interest in speeding up the timetable for dismantling the common customs tariff on imports of paper products from EFTA countries. If they were to do so we should be pleased to discuss the matter.

Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for Trade when he expects to conduct and complete the overall review into the quota arrangements for the import of paper and board products; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Deakins

It is my right hon. Friend's intention that the review in question should be completed before the summer. I cannot be more specific because arrangements depend also upon the main EFTA supplying countries which are the other parties to the review.

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