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Raw Material Imports

Volume 113: debated on Monday 30 March 1987

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asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he is having towards the development of European-wide trade policies to prevent imports of raw materials which could be processed domestically in the countries of origin.

The Government consider it to be in the general interest of consumers and producers alike that trade in raw materials should be conducted on a free and open basis, which allows comparative advantage to determine the development of domestic processing industries. We do, however, have regular discussions with our European Community partners on measures to encourage viable domestic processing of raw materials in developing countries, for example through the Community's generalised scheme of preferences.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what steps he is taking to improve the marketing conditions under which manufactured and sustainably produced tropical wood products can compete in Europe; and if he has any plans to extend the STABEX scheme to products such as plywood and joinery, or other such measures;(2) what discussions he is having with partners in the European Economic Community towards the implementation of a code of conduct for importers of semi-processed and processed products including sawn wood, non-assembly joinery and panels, with a view to requiring importers to import only from those producing countries which can guarantee that their raw material comes from sustainable and ecologically managed forestry concessions and other such requirements to encourage the production of tropical timber products on a sustainable and renewable basis;(3) what discussions he is having with partners in the European Economic Community concerning changing existing trading policies in order to encourage the production of tropical timber products on a sustainable and renewable basis; and if he will make a statement;(4) if he will make a statement on his involvement in, and the resources contributed to, the International Tropical Timber Organisation.

The United Kingdom has ratified the international tropical timber agreement of which the International Tropical Timber Organisation is the executive arm. The Department was represented at the first meeting (following the appointment of an executive director of ITTO), of the International Tropical Timber Council and has made its due contributions to the organisation.Some of the ITTA's objectives are:

  • (1) to encourage members to support and develop industrial tropical timber reforestation and forest management activities
  • (2) to encourage the development of national policies aimed at sustainable utilisation and conservation of tropical forests
  • (3) to encourage increased and further processing of tropical timber in producing countries
  • (4) to improve marketing and distribution of tropical timber exports of producing members.
  • Other European Community member states, the United States and Japan are also signatories to ITTO, as are the majority of tropical timber producing countries.

    Her Majesty's Government believe the ITTO offers the best forum to address the Government's concern over the depletion of tropical forest resources. They will work with other signatories to the ITTA, and particularly EC member states, to achieve the aims of the agreement.

    The STABEX scheme comes under the Lomé convention and covers primary processed timber. There are no plans to extend this to tropical timber products such as plywood.