§ Mr. Brandon-BravoTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what consideration he has given to the Bicycle Association's Official Report for the year ended 1988, and if, in the light of the increase in cycle imports from 600,000 in 1986 to 1,305,000 in 1988, he will seek a review of the European Economic Community duty-free provisions for underdeveloped or developing nations;
(2) if he will review China's developing nation status in view of changes in its industrial output.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe Bicycle Association's annual report does not refer to the developing country imports nor have I received representations. The European Community's generalised system of preference for developing countries is reviewed each year. The competitiveness of products is one of the factors taken into account in the decision to renew the arrangements.
§ Mr. Brandon-BravoTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will review the duties on Taiwanese and Singapore components which can be imported free of duty as components of cycles imported from underdeveloped countries, but become subject to duty if imported for use in British cycle manufacture.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThere is no tariff concession for imports of bicycles and components from Taiwan. Both bicycles and components from Singapore are covered by the EC's generalised system of preferences.