I propose taking Questions Nos. 170 and 172 together. Since the imposition of provisional anti-dumping duties in November last on Aspartame entering the Community, the US exporter — the Nutrasweet Company — have entered into discussions with the EC Commission. Until these discussions have been completed, it would be inappropriate to speculate on their possible outcome. I am satisfied, however, that the Commission, following the representations already made by member states in the matter, is taking all interests, including those of the consumer and Community industry, into account in its deliberations.
Before a Community position is finalised all member states, including Ireland, will be given a further opportunity to make their views known in this case. I can assure the House that, in considering the best approach to be adopted by Ireland in the matter, I will take fully into account the interests of both consumers and user industry here.