§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement about the progress of his representations to Taiwan about the manufacture of counterfeit automotive components in that country; and what steps he is taking in collaboration with other EEC countries to prevent their import.
§ Mr. ParkinsonI expressed the concern of the Government in the House on 19 December, and I understand that the Taiwanese authorities are now introducing measures, including increased penalties and more rigorous enforcement, which they believe will be effective in stamping out counterfeiting. As I said in reply to the hon. Member for Keighley (Mr. Cryer) on 19 January, however, I will not be satisfied until these practices have in fact ceased. Meanwhile we 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. The Government are also considering what other measures they might propose to counter this menace.