HC Deb 13 November 1981 vol 12 c186W
Mr. George Gardiner

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Foreign Affairs Council on 10 November.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

I chaired the special meeting of the Foreign. Affairs Council which was arranged for 10 November in order to discuss the Community's future policy on imports of low-cost textiles. My hon. and learned Friend the Minister for Trade represented the United Kingdom. After discussion, the Commission undertook to bring new proposals forward, and these will be considered at a further special meeting in parallel with the main Foreign Affairs Council on 17 November.

Commission Vice-President Davignon reported on recent measures taken by the United States against steel imports from the European Community. The Council expressed its very serious concern and gave full support to the Commission's efforts to find a solution in co-operation with the United States authorities.