HC Deb 29 July 1982 vol 28 cc621-2W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Minister for Trade whether, in his discussions with the European Commission on the import of domestic light bulbs manufactured in the Republic of Ireland by a Hungarian company, he will raise the question of the trend in value added in the Republic of Ireland factory, and the extent to which the firm concerned is self-financing and pricing is at arm's length from any parent organisation outside the European Economic Community.

Mr. Peter Rees

My Department's discussions with the European Commission have related to the position in relation to the Community's competition rules. I have no new information about financial structure or pricing policy to draw to the Commission's attention, but if my hon. Friend has further evidence to suggest a possible breach of Community or international trading rules I shall be glad to consider it.

Value added, or the precise percentage composition of the bulbs, does not appear to be a relevant issue. Community origin is conferred by regulation (EEC) 802/68 on products on which the last substantial process or operation that is economically justified was performed in the Community.

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