§ Mr. BellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade on what occasion since February 1992 Her Majesty's Government have been consulted by the European Commission regarding the importation of Chinese bicycles; what representations were made to the Commission by the Government; what was the result of the Commission's preliminary investigation; when it was received by the Government; what action has been taken by his Department; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamLast December the Commission consulted member states about the preliminary findings of their anti-dumping investigation into bicycle imports from China and Taiwan. For China, dumping causing injury to European Community producers was established and the Commission proposed a provisional anti-dumping duty of 34.4 per cent, to prevent further injury while the investigation was completed. For Taiwan, dumping was found to be de minimis and so no action was proposed. The Government informed the Commission on 21 December that we accepted its conclusions. It is now for the Commission to decide whether to adopt its proposals.
§ Mr. BellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received regarding the import of bicycles from China and Taiwan; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamMy Department has received representations from United Kingdom bicycle manufacturers arguing for restrictions on Chinese and Taiwanese imports as well as from United Kingdom importers and retailers124W who consider that trade should remain unimpeded. Other issues raised include the safety of imported bicycles as well as the customs duties imposed on both complete machines and their components.