HC Deb 19 February 1981 vol 999 cc172-3W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will ensure that the price undertakings given to the European Commission by East Germany, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia and Romania on their imported crossply and fabric-braced radial ply car tyres are published to enable the industry in the United Kingdom to undertake its own monitoring.

Mr. Parkinson

No. Price undertakings given to the European Commission by foreign suppliers in antidumping cases contain commercially confidential information and it would not be appropriate to publish them. They are monitored as necessary by the Commission and also by my Department.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the average landed price of crossply and radial car tyres from East Germany. Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia and Romania at the latest date for which figures are available; and how this compares with the figures for each of the previous four six-monthly intervals at constant prices.

Mr. Parkinson

The available information is as follows:

Mr. Eyre

The consultative document "A New Form of Incorporation for Small Firms" is published today.

The preparation of this consultative document arises from the Government's determination to do everything possible to remove unnecessary obstacles to the setting up and operation of the small business, particularly those run on a family basis. While incorporation under the Companies Acts undoubtedly brings advantages, it has been suggested that it imposes burdens which may be inappropriate on some small firms particularly in relation to their internal organisation and the disclosure of their affairs. The Government accordingly invite views on proposals for new forms of incorporation described in the Green Paper which are designed to confer the benefits of incorporation without all the requirements of the Companies Acts.

The Government are looking for the widest possible informed response to the Green Paper because of the important new possibilities for small business organisation now canvassed. These would be additional to the opportunities offered by traditional companies legislation. If that response indicated that fresh legislation would be welcomed, then further consultations on the details of any changes would be undertaken