§ Mr. StevensonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will ensure(a) respect for copyright, (b) compliance with regulations and (c) traceability for consumer protection on imports of ceramics from China to the United Kingdom under WTO agreements; and if she will make a statement. [28772]
§ Nigel GriffithsChina became a member of the WTO on 11 December 2001, and is bound by the agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights ("TRIPS"). This requires all WTO members to provide certain minimum standards for the protection and enforcement of copyright and other intellectual property rights. The agreement is the first broadly-subscribed multilateral intellectual property agreement that is enforceable between Governments.
An EU requirement to apply origin markings to ceramic imports from China would be incompatible with WTO rules. However, EC Regulation No. 3295/94 (as amended) allows a right holder to lodge an application with Customs to prohibit the entry into the Community of counterfeit and pirated goods. It also provides for Customs Officers to contact a right holder if they come across suspected infringing goods during the course of their checks. In this case the goods will be detained and the right holder will be invited to lodge an application within a specified period.
§ Mr. StevensonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the Chinese capability to meet its WTO requirements on counterfeiting and copying of ceramic products. [28773]
§ Nigel GriffithsChina gave a commitment to abide fully with the provisions of the agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights ("TRIPS") by the date of her accession to the WTO. The agreement requires all WTO members to provide certain minimum standards of protection for patents, copyrights, trade marks and other forms of intellectual property protection; and to provide effective provisions for enforcement of these rights. China's accession to the WTO on 11 December 2001 will provide a welcome boost to the ability of rights holders to enforce their rights within China. Foreign countries can look forward to improved safeguards for their rights; and have been promised reinforced co-operation from the Chinese authorities.
§ Mr. StevensonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on manufacturing industry in North Staffordshire. [28770]
§ Alan JohnsonThe North Staffordshire Task Force and Advantage West Midlands are working with local partners to assist manufacturing industry in the area. In addition, the Government recently announced a further £1.5 million support for the Ceramics Industry Forum, many of whose members are in North Staffordshire. I am also meeting my hon. Friend on 23 January to discuss recent announcements by businesses based in the area.