Bicycles (Hansard, 14 July 1992)

§ Mr. Simpson
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the level of duty on the import of cycle components by the British cycle industry; what is the level of duty on the import of finished bicycles from China; and if he will make it his policy to equalise the treatment of British manufacturers and their Chinese competitors.

§ Mr. Needham
[holding answer 13 July 1992]: The European Community's common external tariff on bicycle components is currently 8 per cent. The tariff on finished bicycles is currently 17 per cent. Following representations earlier this year from the United Kingdom, supported by other member states, duty was reimposed on finished bicycles from China under the generalised system of preferences—GSP—scheme, for the remainder of 1992.

§ Mr. Simpson
To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy to seek the automatic enforcement of a 17 per cent. tax on the import of Chinese cycles to Britain once their quota is exceeded.

§ Mr. Needham
[holding answer 13 July 1992]: There are agreed Community procedures for requesting the reimposition of duty on products which would otherwise be entitled to duty-free treatment under the generalised system of preferences scheme. The operation of the GSP scheme is due for review this year and the concerns of the bicycle manufacturers, along with those of other sectors of industry, will be considered during discussions in the Community.

§ Mr. Simpson
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the cycle industry about dumping practices in Britain.

§ Mr. Needham
[holding answer 13 July 1992]: The Department has received a number of representations 663W from the United Kingdom bicycle industry about the alleged dumping of bicycles from China and Taiwan. The European Commission, which is responsible for investigating anti-dumping complaints, is currently investigating one from the European Bicycle Manufacturers' Association which also represents United Kingdom firms. We are currently waiting for the Commission to consult us on the preliminary findings of its investigation.