§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Trade what action the EEC Council of Ministers now propose to take, following its meeting of 4 to 5 February, to counter the disruption of Community markets by United States imports of manmade fibres given artificial advantage through the United States energy dual-pricing policy.
§ Mr. Nott [pursuant to his reply 8 February 1980]The Council of Ministers on 4 to 5 February decided that there was no case for Community-wide action against imports of synthetic textiles from the United States. But it recognised the problems arising in certain regions of the Community and that action in certain cases might be justified. I have accordingly applied to the Commission for restriction by quota of imports into the United Kingdom of polyester filament yarn, nylon carpet yarn and tufted carpets of man-made fibres. Restrictions would not apply to countries with which the Community has preferential trading agreements or bilateral agreements under the multi-fibre arrangement.