§ Baroness Hornsby-Smithasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations have been made regarding the deliberate attempts of the Canadian customs 552WA authorities to delay textile and clothing exports from the United Kingdom and other EEC countries, thus causing them to miss the all-important seasonal deliveries.
§ Lord BelsteadHer Majesty's Government have received complaints from the British Clothing Industry Association about the effect of the revised Canadian customs procedures, which apply to imports from all sources. The European Commission has made representations to the Canadian authorities about the new procedures on behalf of the European Community, which has competence in this matter. Her Majesty's Government support this action and our High Commission in Ottawa is monitoring the position closely. Further representations will be made if necessary. These are likely to be more effective if supported by detailed information from exporters about the delays caused by the measures to individual shipment