§ Mr. TredinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what representations he has received from the industry about imports of category 13 (knickers and briefs) from China, category 12 (socks) from Indonesia and category 68 (knitted babywear) from Thailand;
(2) if he will give details of the movements in the levels of imports between 1989 and 1990 into the United 202W Kingdom of category 13 (knickers and briefs) from China, category 12 (socks) from Indonesia and category 68 (knitted babywear) from Thailand; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Sainsbury[holding answer 18 June 1991]: Import figures are given in the table. My Department has received, and is considering, representations from the Knitting Industries' Federation Ltd. —KIF—calling for a repeat of the action taken in 1989 to ban imports of category 13 products originating in China and entering the United Kingdom on free circulation from other member states. Consultations with importing and retailing interests show these to be either opposed to or doubtful about the case for such a ban, in the absence of more precise information.
The KIF has also asked for safeguard action under the multi-fibre arrangements to be invoked against direct imports of category 12 products from Indonesia and category 68 products from Thailand.
My Department is considering the case for an application to the European Commission for a further ban on free circulation imports of category 13 products originating in China. The key criterion laid down by the Commission in such cases is whether the imports in question give rise to economic difficulties. My officials are studying some further information on this point recently supplied by the KIF.
In respect of category 12 products, United Kingdom production—of mainly higher-value items—has remained stable and exports have moved back to high levels. On category 68 products, United Kingdom production, exports and consumption are rising. Therefore, the MFA criterion for safeguard action for these products has not been met and my officials have informed the KIF accordingly.
Country and Product Imports (including Imports in free circulation) 1990 1989 China Knickers, briefs etc. (MFA Category 13) 81.7 million pieces 51.2 million pieces Indonesia Socks etc. (MFA Category 12) 12.2 million pairs 12.5 million pairs Thailand Babies' Clothing (MFA Category 68) 1,573 tonnes 1,229 tonnes