§ 29. Sir J. Duncanasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give an assurance, in view of the position both of the United Kingdom and the European jute trades, that he will take no action to negotiate terms for the entry of Great Britain into, or association of 191 Great Britain with, the Common Market without satisfactory arrangements being made for the continuation of the prosperity of the British jute trade, and for the avoidance of distortion in the European jute trade.
§ 34. Mr. MacArthurasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the resolution on trade deflections adopted by the recent General Assembly of the Association of European Jute Industries in Lisbon, a copy of which has been sent to him; and what estimate he has made of the effect that such deflections would have on the British jute industry if the United Kingdom were to become associated with the European Common Market.
§ 60. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the jute industry in the Dundee area regarding British participation in the Common Market; and what reply he has made.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonThe Association of Jute Spinners and Manufacturers has written to my right hon. Friend to express apprehension about the effects of possible association with the Common Market. He has informed the Association that the points made in its letter have been noted. I can assure hon. Members that, in any matter affecting trade in jute goods, my right hon. Friend will continue to take account of the importance of maintaining employment in Dundee.
§ Sir J. DuncanWill my hon. Friend agree that the jute industry is a wholly exceptional industry in that it is concentrated in Dundee and district? Will he not only note what is in this letter but keep in the closest touch with the industry so that it will not be sold down the river with the question of the Common Market?
§ Mr. MacphersonMy right hon. Friend is well aware of the special position of the jute industry. In fact, the Treaty of Rome makes provision to allow the possibility of special measures, among other things, to deal with "difficulties which may seriously impair the economic situation in any region".
§ Mr. MacArthurIs my hon. Friend aware of the belief that the trade deflections in jute arise from the imperfect 192 provisions in the Treaty of Rome in respect of definition and certification of origin? Will he bear this deficiency in mind in the course of any negotiations which may take place?
§ Mr. MacphersonYes, Sir.
§ Mr. G. M. ThomsonWill the Government bear in mind that Dundee has a chronic unemployment problem and has one of the highest unemployment rates in Scotland? Will he also bear in mind that while this national industry is concentrated entirely in the Dundee area, Dundee is geographically a long way from any alternative source of industrial employment? Will he make sure that there are adequate safeguards in any arrangements that he makes?
§ Mr. MacphersonAs I said in my original Answer, we will take account of the special position of Dundee.
§ Mr. StracheyDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that unemployment in Dundee is 1,000 more than it was a year ago? Will he see that the safeguards which he agrees exist in the Treaty of Rome are emphasised to the full in any future negotiations?
§ Mr. MacphersonYes, I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that the position of Dundee will be borne in mind in the course of any negotiations.