§ Mr. Colin Shepherdasked the Minister for Trade (1) what is the present level of tariff which will become applicable to the imports of polyethylene film products under the present general system of preference; and what he expects will be the level of tariff for 1984;
(2) what is the present quota of imports of polyethylene film products into the European Community under the present general system of preference for 1983; and what he expects it will be for 1984;
(3) if he is satisfied that a general system of preference relating to the import into the European Community of polyethylene film products from third countries is the most effective way of dealing with the Community market in polyethylene film products; if he will list the countries to which the present arrangements apply; whether he will press in the Council of Ministers for extension of the coverage to include other countries; and if he will name these countries.
§ Mr. Peter ReesThe European Community's generalised scheme of preferences—GSP—provides for duty-free entry, subject to limits in some cases, for manufactured goods imported from all developing countries, except Taiwan, and there are no plans to extend it to any other countries. Limits are set only for sensitive products in the interests of Community industries. Only one polyethylene film product is regarded as sensitive. The 1983 GSP polyethylene bags, sachets and similar articles —tariff heading 39.07.53—have a Community ceiling of £3.08 million for each GSP beneficiary. If this level is reached and causes economic difficulties, a member state may request the reimposition of normal duty—13 per cent. — against that beneficiary. The arrangements for 1984 will be decided by the Community during its annual review of the GSP which starts in September.