§ Dr. Summerskillasked the Secretary of State for Trade what measures he is taking to protect the British carpet industry from imports from Belgium and the United States, in view of the fact that such imports are contributing to the decline in the industry.
§ Mr. BiffenIn relation to trade within the European Community measures can only be taken in accordance with the terms of the Treaty of Rome. I am always ready to consider any evidence of a breach of the competition rules of the treaty, but know of none in the present case.
My Department has had no recent approaches from the United Kingdom industry in respect of imports of carpets from the United States.