March 9, 2006: Robert Sturdy today calls
for more clarity in trade with China
Mr Sturdy, Conservative Trade
Spokesman said,"Presenting
the problems caused by the rise of China as a simple argument between
free trade and protectionism is a massive over-simplification. China
is not a normal market economy: if China is shown to be enjoying
unfair trading advantages because of the way her businesses operate
we must act.
Whether anti-dumping measures are the best way
to do this is a different question. I am not convinced. British
business and consumers; Europe's trade relations with China, and
China itself, are all adversely affected by the introduction of
these measures.
However, doing nothing won't make things better.
We need to work with China to ensure that business practices become
more transparent and fair. Saying this is just a question of free
trade Britain vs. protectionist Europe doesn't get us very far".
