HC Deb 16 December 1986 vol 107 c439W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has as to how many factories in the United Kingdom produce power lawnmowers; where they are located; and what estimate he has made of the numbers employed in the manufacture of such products.

Mr. Giles Shaw

There are 13 main factories in the United Kingdom producing powered lawnmowers. They are widely distributed throughout Britain and employ about 3,500 people.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total value of power lawnmowers (a) exported from and (b) imported to the United Kingdom in the most recent annual period for which figures are available; and what were the principal export markets for United Kingdom power lawnmowers in that year.

Mr. Giles Shaw

For the 12 months ended September 1986 United Kingdom exports of power lawnmowers amounted to £21.4 millions: imports for the same period amounted to £24.1 millions. The principal export markets for United Kingdom power lawnmowers are the EEC, Australia and the United States of America.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many inspectors he proposes to appoint to undertake the periodic inspection of lawnmowers under section 7 of the Lawnmowers (Harmonisation of Noise Emission Standards) Regulations 1986; and if he will make a statement outlining the work which they will be doing;

(2) if the inspectors whom he will appoint to carry out the periodic inspections of lawnmowers under section 7 of the Lawnmowers (Harmonisation of Noise Emission Standards) Regulations 1986 will wear official uniforms or will carry other forms of identification; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer he was given on Thursday 6 November, at columns 560–61, and would advise him that there is no intention to appoint any inspectors.