§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Trade what help he is giving British plastic bottle manufacturers and plastic bottle plant manufacturers; and if he will take steps in this field so as to limit the high level of French and Dutch imports which are likely to occur within the next 12 months.
§ Mr. Meacher, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 22 February 1979; Vol. 963, c. 263–64], gave the following information:
I am unaware of any firm evidence that imports from either France or the Netherlands have been increasing or that such an increase is imminent.
British manufacturers of plastic bottles and plastic bottle plant have the same access to assistance as is available to all manufacturers under the Industry Act 1972. They may also be eligible for assistance under the product and process development scheme which is administered under the Science and Technology Act 1972.