§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he is satisfied that the United Kingdom man-made fibre industry is adequately protected from unfair import penetration; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Rees[pursuant to his reply, 1 February 1982, c. 12]: The Community’s anti-dumping and countervailing procedures provide adequate means for action against unfair competition from third countries. Anti-dumping duties or price undertakings are at present in force against acrylic fibre, polyester filament yarn and polyester woven fabric from certain sources. The Government also attach great importance to the principle of fair competition within the Community, where the 238W provisions of the Treaty of Rome relating to free circulation prevent any direct action against unfair imports. There have been a number of instances where we have had occasion to urge the Commission to apply the competition provisions of the Treaty of Rome more strictly in this sector, and we shall continue to take every opportunity to press for these provisions to be applied in a fair and even way.