§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Trade what progress he has made in combating fraudulent origin marking of imported manufactures, in particular those from Taiwan.
§ Mr. ParkinsonWe are pressing for the finalisation of a GATT agreement to discourage the importation of counterfeit goods. This would have the effect of stiffening legislation on the seizure and confiscation of counterfeited imports. In addition, where adequate evidence is available I am willing to make representations to the authorities concerned. Although we are unable to treat in a similar way cases which arise in respect of Taiwan, as the hon. Member is aware, I expressed the concern of the Government about such cases in the House on 19 December. I now understand that the Taiwanese authorities are introducing measures, including increased penalties and more rigorous enforcement, which they believe will be effective in stamping out counterfeiting, and that they have offered their assistance to United Kingdom manufacturers who suspect that their goods are being counterfeited in Taiwan. However, as I said in reply to the hon. Member for Keighley (Mr. Cryer) on 19 January I shall not be satisfied until these practices have ceased, and we shall watch developments carefully.