§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what restraint arrangements exist with Japan on the imports of offset litho printing machinery.
(2) whether imports of offset litho printing machinery from Japan are causing material damage to the British manufacturers; and, if so, what is his policy for dealing with this situation.
§ Mr. Parkinson[pursuant to his reply, 31 July 1980, c. 772]: There is no restraint arrangements on imports of litho printing machinery from Japan. While
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1. U.K. IMPORTS OF WOOD OF CONIFEROUS SPECIES (SOFTWOOD) Thousand Tonnes £ Million cif United States of America … … … … … … … 56.1 12.42 Canada … … … … … … … 958.1 11814 Brazil … … … … … … … 50.4 13.86 Peru … … … … … … … — — Bolivia … … … … … … … — — Argentina … … … … … … … — — Federal Republic of Germany … … … … … … … 15.4 2.86 Switzerland … … … … … … … 0.3 0.06 2. U.K. IMPORTS OF WOOD OF NON-CONIFEROUS SPECIES (HARDWOOD) Thousand Tonnes £ Million cif United States of America … … … … … … … 14.9 4.02 Canada … … … … … … … 14.3 3.43 Brazil … … … … … … … 58.5 14.00 Peru … … … … … … … 0.1 0.02 Bolivia … … … … … … … 0.4 0.11 Argentina … … … … … … … * 0.01 Federal Republic of Germany … … … … … … … 34.0 4.98 Switzerland … … … … … … … * † Source: U.K. Overseas Trade Statistics (SITC (R2) Groups 247 and 248). Notes—Indicates no trade. * Indicates trade less than 50 tonnes. † Indicates trade less than £5 thousand. concern about these imports has been expressed by the industry, I have not as yet seen evidence of injury which would justify action. I understand, however, that, following discussions with officials of my Department and the Department of Industry, the industry is now considering whether to submit an anti-dumping application.
Action against dumped imports is a matter for the European Commission, but my officials would be ready to assist in the preparation of an application should there appear to be a prima facie case.