§ Mr. Robert HicksTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the action taken by Her Majesty's Government following the discovery of an alleged commercial violation by Israel of a consignment of textile products from the occupied West Bank in which the certificate of origin and description had been altered and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan Clark[holding answer 11 February 1988]: I am aware of one case involving a consignment of lingerie 378W from a supplier in the occupied territories which arrived in the United Kingdom under cover of an Israeli certificate of origin. This certificate had been improperly substituted for the original document issued by a West Bank chamber of commerce. After consultation between officials from my Department and Customs and Excise, the goods were imported without difficulty. However, in view of the alteration of the certificate, the Government referred this case to the European Commission to investigate. I understand they have now made a formal complaint to the Israeli authorities, whose response is awaited.