§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Minister for Trade, following the United Kingdom ban on trade with Argentina and the decision of other countries of the European Economic Community to resume trading with Argentina, how goods exported from Argentina to countries of the European Community will be prevented from being re-exported to the United Kingdom.
§ Dr. VaughanThe origin of goods imported into the United Kingdom from other member States of the European Community has to be disclosed in the Customs entry document. Since 7 April all imports of goods exported from Argentina have required the authority of import licences issued by my Department. In order to obtain licences traders have been required to prove that the goods were en route for the United Kingdom before midnight on 6 April. This position remains unchanged. Customs enforce these import licence requirements regardless of the country of consignment whether or not the goods are in free circulation. Our community partners are aware of our intention to retain our national measures against Argentina for the time being.