§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact EFTA being given access to the EC free trade area will have on the Scottish salmon farming industry.
§ Mr. Sainsbury[holding answer 8 July 1991]: The negotiations between the EC and EFTA to create a European economic area continue. EFTA has not been offered improved access to the EC market for salmon.
§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy that no agreement will be signed between EFTA and the EC until the current trade dispute with Norway is resolved.
§ Mr. Sainsbury[holding answer 8 July 1991]: I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the recent anti-dumping investigation by the EC into farmed salmon products from Norway. This case was dropped by the Commission following the receipt of assurances from Norway. I am aware of the salmon farming industry's concerns about imports of salmon or salmon products from Norway to the Community. These concerns are being borne in mind in the current discussions between the EC and EFTA on the European economic area.