§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he has taken to stop the dumping of Polish coal on the UK market; and if he will make a statement. [109020]
§ Mrs. LiddellThe UK coal industry have made representations to the Government about the imports of Polish coal at prices that appear to be below the cost of production.
368WTrade relations with third countries such as Poland fall within the competence of the European Communities. The Government have written to the Commission highlighting the difficulties being experienced by the UK coal industry due to Polish coal imports and urging them to address this problem.
In this regard the Government are exploring with the European Commission as a matter of urgency whether there is any possibility of resolving this issue through the EU-Poland Europe Agreement.
In addition to this, Ministers and officials have emphasised to the Polish Administration the importance that we place on having a fair and competitive market for coal in the UK.
It is the European Commission's responsibility to investigate allegations of unfair dumping or subsidy. The Government are urging the European Commission to investigate any complaints from the UK industry as rapidly as possible.