asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he has any proposal to assist the biscuit industry to improve its international competitiveness.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Biscuit Industry.
10.
Action to ensure that any manufacturing operation is compettitive internationally is a matter primarily for the individual enterprise itself. Where appropriate, the State will provide assistance to encourage developments aimed at ensuring the competitiveness of the individual firm. Such measures, however, can only supplement, and are not a substitute for, action by the firm. In the case of the biscuit industry, the IDA and other State agencies are prepared, as in the past, to work with the manufacturers to help to ensure their competitiveness.
Will the Minister of State agree that there have been massive importations of foreign-produced biscuits at a time when we have the capacity to make all we need and that the extent of these importations comes close to dumping? Has the Minister or his Department investigated the extent of these imports and the pricing levels thereof? Has he examined the possibility of taking action under the appropriate EEC protocol that would enable him to prohibit the dumping of foreign biscuits on the Irish market?
If the industry or a company consider there is dumping there is an appropriate procedure under EEC regulations to bring the matter to the attention of the Commission and to have the necessary anti-dumping measures. If a company consider there is dumping it is up to them to prove their case. The State has given substantial grant aid to Irish Biscuits Limited during the years. They are a modern factory. There is a tendency for companies to look to Government as a saviour but it is up to companies to go to the market place and to fight their corner. There is no point in coming to the Government at every hand's turn.
I am surprised at the tone of the Minister's reply. Will he not agree that the matter of implementing an EEC protocol would more appropriately be a matter for the Minister and the Government rather than for an individual biscuit manufacturer? Does the Minister of State not agree that the Irish biscuit industry have made repeated complaints about excessive dumping of foreign biscuits here? I am asking him if his Department have examined that question and, if so, what are the findings.
I am not aware that there has been dumping in the context the Deputy has put the matter. If a company wish to prove a dumping case they will receive every assistance from my Department.
Will the Minister of State indicate what action his Department take with regard to dumping of any product in this jurisdiction?
We are going from the specific to the general——
The Minister of State may apply it to the specific.
If a company have proof that there is dumping by other member states or by third countries — this is difficult to prove — and if they come to my Department they will receive every help in the Department and at EEC level.
This is the point——
The Deputy may not make a point. Although the Deputy's question was not in order I allowed him to ask a general question with regard to the way dumping was dealt with. The Deputy received a general reply but if he wants a more detailed answer be should put down a separate question.
I appreciate that. However, is the Minister of State aware that his reply is at variance with a reply he gave me in the recent past concerning the operation of legislation dealing with dumping in that it is the Commission who control that protocol and the Department can act only in an advisory capacity?
That is not what I said. I said that if a company approach my Department they will get every help possible——
In making the case?
Yes, but the matter is primarily the responsibility of the Commission in Brussels.
The Minister of State means it is primarily the responsibility of the company. The decision with regard to taking anti-dumping action is primarily the responsibility of the Commission.
Do the Department not monitor the situation?
If a company come to my Department with allegations regarding dumping and can prove their case, the matter can then be put to the Commission.
The question on the Order Paper is about making people here more competitive and it is not about dumping.
Obviously dumping makes the local product less competitive.
I am calling Question No. 11.