§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) whether the Government in conjunction with the European Commission, are considering a minimum selling price or a minimum reference price for certain steel products; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether a minimum reference price for specified steel products is sustainable on a voluntary basis without maintaining a system of import licensing; and whether the current situation warrants this approach.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldThe European Commission is considering possible additional measures, which may include setting minimum prices, to supplement those already taken to counter the recession in the steel industry. The Commission has still to make firm proposals. It is the case that minimum reference prices could be undermined by imports from third countries. We have made this point to the Commission.