§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Industry what proposals he advanced at the meeting of European Common Market steel Ministers on curbing or eliminating price cutting or illegal discounting from published price lists; what proposals were advanced by other Common Market Ministers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherMy right hon. Friend called for more effective policing to curb or eliminate abuse of the price rules, and was supported by several colleagues from other member States. Specific proposals for action were outlined by the representative of the Commission and are now under discussion. The proposals include:
- (a) improved policing by more inspectors;
28 - (b) stopping investment aid or proposed national aid to companies infringing pricing provisions;
- (c) requirements to avoid companies delaying payment of fines by appeals to the European Court;
- (d) improved statistical surveillance of intra-Community trade to assist in enforcement.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he has any recent evidence of steel sales and purchases being concluded in the United Kingdom or other parts of the Common Market at the full published list price.
§ Mr. ButcherMy Department depends on companies themselves for information on pricing by Community steel producers and consequently the material it receives tends to consist of allegations of abuse of the rules and not evidence of sales at full published list prices.