HC Deb 18 November 1982 vol 32 cc221-2W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Minister for Trade on what date the United Kingdom ratified European Economic Community Regulation No. 1028/79 of 8 May 1979 on the importation free of common customs tariff duties of articles for the use of handicapped persons; and if any member States have not yet ratified the regulation.

Mr. Peter Rees

[pursuant to his reply, 17 November 1982, c. 160.]: This regulation came into force on 1 January 1980, and was binding on member States from that date.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Minister for Trade, in the last year for which figures are available, how many applications of relief for duty were made under EEC Regulation No. 1028/79 on the importation free of common customs tariff duties of articles for the use of handicapped persons, annex E paragraph 1 and annex E paragraph 2, respectively; how many applications were approved under each paragraph; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Rees

[pursuant to his reply, 17 November 1982, c. 160.]: The information for applications made in the United Kingdom is as follows:

1981
Articles for the blind* Articles for other handicapped persons
Applications received 33 5
allowed 31 4
disallowed 2 1

* annex E paragraph 1

† annex E paragraph 2

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Minister for Trade if he has made representations to the European Commission concerning the extension of the concessions in the EEC Regulation No. 1028/79 to handicapped individuals importing goods from outside the European Community as well as approved organisations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Rees

[pursuant to his reply, 17 November 1982, c. 160]The Council of the European Communities is at present considering proposals for an extension of the duty-free concessions set out in Regulation No. 1028/79 so that articles imported by handicapped persons for their own use will also be eligible for relief. We hope the new relief will come into effect on 1 July 1984.