Ceramics delegation calls on Minister to take the lead on Mark of Origin
Representatives
from North Staffordshire went to London this week (Monday 30th April)
to meet with the Trade minister Ian McCartney to put the case for introducing
Mark of Origin stamps on ceramic goods across the EU.
The delegation, organised by UNITY Trade Union, included ceramic industry
representatives Ian Dudson and Kevin Farrell from the British Ceramics
Confederation. North Staffordshire’s political representatives were also present
with Charlotte Atkins, Joan Walley, Mark Fisher and Michael Cashman in
attendance.
Garry Oakes, Assistant General Secretary of UNITY said: “We called upon the
Minister to ensure that the UK Government led the way in negotiations with other
EU states to introduce a Mark of Origin on ceramics. The case for Mark of Origin
has been made. These measures have the backing of the ceramics industry across
the entire EU region and they should be introduced as a matter of priority.”
Kevin Farrell added “Whilst the Mark of Origin has been welcomed by the
ceramics industry, industries producing goods such as footwear and clothing have
expressed reservations.”
Ian Dudson added “We told the Minister that it was not right that negotiations
were being held up because other manufacturing sectors could not reach
agreement. Those industries in full agreement should be using the Mark of
Origin straight away. Mark of Origin will improve consumer choice and will help
in tackling unfair practices, such as counterfeiting and ‘passing off’."
After the meeting Michael Cashman said: “The UK needs to take a lead in
negotiations with other EU states. There are no major complications with regard
to ceramics, but we have to show that the political will exists in order to make
this thing happen. The political will is clearly present in North Staffordshire
where the industry, the trade union and the politicians are united on this
issue”.
It was agreed at the meeting that the Trade Minister and Michael Cashman would
re-state the case for ceramics to Peter Mandelson, the European Commissioner for
Trade.