§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will provide information, on a quarterly basis, showing total imports into the United Kingdom of Belgian carpets for 1985, 1986 and for the first three quarters of 1987.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe information is as follows:
163W
United Kingdom imports of carpets from Belgium-Luxembourg Value:£000's Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 1985 20,610 23,473 25,335 30,240 1986 24,402 24,083 29,354 34,346 1987 26,283 30,537 32,280 — Source: Overseas Trade Statistics.
Notes:
1. Carpets defined as Standard International Trade Classification Revision 2, Sub-group 659 less items 659.1, 63 and 7.
2. Imports Country Whence Consigned; cif basis.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action he intends to take in relation to low-cost Belgian carpets being imported into the United Kingdom; what representations he has made concerning Belgian state aid to their textile and carpet industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe Government have made a number of representations in support of action by the European Commission against Belgian subsidies to their textile and carpet industry. Further representations will be made as appropriate in consultation with the United Kingdom industry.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received from within the United Kingdom concerning unfair competition resulting from the importing into the United Kingdom of low-cost Belgian carpets, and what share of the United Kingdom carpet market Belgian carpet suppliers now take.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkI have received various representations from time to time concerning the provision of aid to the Belgian carpet industry but none recently relating specifically to low-cost imports into the United Kingdom. Belgian carpets accounted for 13 per cent. by value of the United Kingdom carpet market in 1986.