HC Deb 27 March 2000 vol 347 c45W
Dr. Gibson

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to develop relationships through the Office of Science and Technology with Taiwan in the areas of science and technology. [113828]

Mr. Byers

The Office of Science and Technology attaches importance to facilitating civil scientific co-operation between the UK and Taiwan. A number of visits have recently been made by officials from Taiwan's National Science Council to discuss aspects of UK civil science policy. Dr. Jenn-Tai Hwang, Chairman of the National Science Council, will visit London in May this year.

These contacts, and the work of staff in the British Trade and Cultural Office in Taipei to promote science and technology links, should raise the profile of UK science in Taiwan, and will help UK companies and the science base to gain access to Taiwanese innovation and technology.

US imports from the UK
Description US tariff code 1998 (£ million) 1999 (£ million) Percentage change 1998–99 Absolute change (£ million)
Batteries 85072080 10.80 3.75 -65.3 -7.0
Bath oils 33073050 4.76 1.17 -75.5 -3.6
Lithographs 49119120 2.56 0.91 -64.3 -1.6
Bed linen 63022190 0.34 0.06 -82.0 -0.3
Cartons 48192000 1.19 0.79 -33.6 -0.4
Coffee makers 85167100 0.62 0.25 -60.2 -0.4
Wallets 42023210 0.17 0.07 -61.2 -0.1
Handbags 42022215 0.01 0.01 -12.2 0.0
Felt paper 48055000 0.00 0.00
Total 20.44 7.00 -66.0 -13.4

Source:

US International Trade Commission website. Converted to £ sterling using average sterling/dollar rates for each year.

ONS Economic Trends

The actual impact on UK companies in the targeted sectors will depend on a number of factors, including the length of time that the retaliatory measures remain in place, and the ability of affected companies to find alternative customers for their goods. However, I have received many representations from UK companies affected by the US retaliation. Taking into account these representations and the above data, my assessment is that there is a real risk of damage to UK companies in terms of lost trade and jobs.

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