§ Mr. Marlow asked the Secretary of State for Trade, in view of the recent job losses at Hoover, whether he is satisfied at the reaction speed of European trading policies in those areas of manufacturing which Hoover propose to close; and whether he will take action to safeguard British industry from further job losses in these areas.
§ Mr. Peter Rees [pursuant to his reply, 27 October 1981, c. 317]: The problems which have led to Hoover's current rationalisation plans owe more I believe to trading conditions than to specific international trade isues. The European Commission has, however, instituted an antidumping investigation into imports of cylinder vacuum cleaners from certain East European countries. I am satisfied that when the Commission had the necessary evidence, it acted promptly in this matter but my officials will nevertheless be watching progress on this case very closely. We have made clear to the Commission the importance of taking action against dumped imports, which damage industry, as speedily as is consistent with the internationally agreed rules; and we have made sure that it is fully aware of the particular problems affecting the domestic electrical appliance industry.