HC Deb 14 January 1981 vol 996 c531W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what was the total value of used textile machinesry exports under chapter 84 of the Common Customs Tariff for each quarter for the years 1979 and 1980;

(2) what was the total value of used Sulzer weaving machine exports for each quarter for the years 1979 and 1980;

(3) what was the total value of exports of used Sulzer weaving machines to the Unites States of America, the EEC, Greece, Turkey, Taiwan, Korea, Pakistan, India and Portugal for the years 1974 to 1980;

(4) what was the total value of exports of used textile machinery to the United States of America, the European Economic Community, Greece, Turkey, Taiwan, Korea, Pakistan. India and Portugal for the years 1974 to 1980;

(5) what was the total value of export of used textile machinery under chapter 84 of the common customs tariff for the years 1974 to 1980;

(6) what was the total value of exports of used Sulzer weaving machine under chapter 84 of the common customs tariff for the years 1974 to 1980.

Mr. Parkinson

This information is not available. Used textile machinery is not separately distinguished in theOverseas Trade Statistics, nor does it enable commodities to be identified by brand names.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will take action to end the unrestricted export of used textile machinery to those of the United Kingdom's overseas competitors who enjoy lower raw material prices and overhead costs due to special Government assistance and lower energy prices; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Parkinson

I do not think that export controls would be justified in this instance; nor would they be consistent with our obligations under the Treaty of Rome and the GATT.