§ Ms WalleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what was his policy in respect of the proposal to abolish quotas for the importation of tableware and ornamentalware at the 113 Committee of the European Commission and Council of Ministers; and if he will make a statement; [33225]
(2) what assessment he has made of the effect on employment in north Staffordshire of abolishing tableware and ornamentalware quotas. [33239]
§ Mr. EggarThe European Commission is reviewing the quotas on all non-textile imports from China, including ceramics and porcelain, and will report to the Council of Ministers later in the year. The Government consider that protection should continue only if clear economic justification can be shown. Evidence from the UK ceramics industry, including on employment aspects,648W will be among the factors considered in establishing the Government's response.