HC Deb 01 December 1980 vol 995 c7
6. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what steps he proposes to take to increase trade with Taiwan.

Mr. Eyre

I am anxious to see more growth in our trade with Taiwan. The Anglo-Taiwan trade committee has a part to play in this, both in Taipei and in London. I understand that it has plans to increase its efforts.

Mr. Lewis

Is my hon. Friend aware that I have just returned from Taiwan, where I had a very good time but where I also noted that, although there are no diplomatic relations with Taiwan, the Americans and the Japanese have got round the problem by having a considerable number of people there looking after American and Japanese trade interests? As we seem to have only one man and a part-time girl there, is it not time that the British Government got round the diplomatic restrictions and had a more effective commercial presence in Taipei?

Mr. Eyre

I am glad to know that my hon. Friend continued to use his keen powers of observation during his visit. The question of increasing our activities in Taiwan is the responsibility of the Anglo-Taiwan Trade committee, and I am sure that it will wish to respond vigorously to any opportunities. It has plans for strengthening the staffing of its office in Taiwan.

Mr. Sheerman

Although I accept that the British delegation in Taiwan consists of one man and a part-time girl, whatever that may mean, will the Minister consider that what we need in response to Taiwanese imports, is a positive policy on the part of Her Majesty's Government on labelling of origin of manufacture of goods?

Is the Minister aware that manufacturers in Huddersfield are increasingly concerned that foreign goods are brought into this country, posing as first-class manufactures that only Huddersfield can provide, and that the whole of West Yorkshire is being being beaten by the Government's failure to introduce a sensible measure? Will the Government therefore bring forth speedy legislation for a "Buy British" campaign, insisting on labelling of origin and of country on the product?

Mr. Eyre

I appreciate the importance of the hon. Gentleman's points, but he will have heard my right hon. Friend the Minister for Consumer Affairs describing the very vigorous way in which she is tackling this problem.