Home News Biography In the News Photo Album European Parliament EU Grants & Funding Publications Contact Guides Survey Links   Conservative Party Conservatives.com Latest News from the Conservative Party
		Great recall of China must not be an excuse for protectionism Wednesday, 12th September 2007 Brussels, 12th September 2007 – The European Parliament and Commission must put the latest Chinese toy recalls into context and not use a few examples as an excuse for widespread protectionism, Syed Kamall MEP, Conservative trade spokesman in the European Parliament, said today. His comments come as European Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, Meglana Kuneva presents her assessment of recent developments regarding toy safety - including the recent Mattel recalls - to the Parliament. She is also expected to lay out in detail her plans for a two month review of the control mechanisms for consumer product safety. Mr Kamall said: "Toy safety in Europe is imperative but the recent recalls must not be used as a thinly-veiled excuse for European protectionism. "While we must work with the Chinese authorities to ensure quality and safety standards are improved, we must also not forget that the overwhelming majority of toys made in China are safe. "Hopefully this latest scare will encourage all toy manufacturers to look a little closer at their suppliers. After all, these kind of headlines can prove fatal for toy companies. "Chinese manufacturing has made toys more affordable for families in the UK and Chinese companies are extremely keen to ensure their exports meet the high safety standards we expect from our own manufacturers. "European politicians must not allow a few toy recalls to become an excuse for a global trade war."