HC Deb 23 May 1994 vol 244 c77W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what goods or materials the United Kingdom Government import from China.

Mr. Needham

Information on United Kingdom imports from China is regularly published in "Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom." Copies of this publication are available in the Library of the House. Sources of purchases by the Government are not monitored.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what advice or information he has given United Kingdom companies importing from China about the use of labour camps in the production of Chinese goods and materials.

Mr. Needham

I have given no specific advice or information. However, with limited exceptions, the importation into the United Kingdom of goods produced in any foreign prison or like establishment is banned by the Foreign Prison-Made Goods Act 1897, as amended in 1988. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for HM Customs and Excise, which depends on receiving sufficient evidence, specific to the consignment concerned.