§ 10. Mr. R. Robinsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the growing competition from the United States of America which is being experienced by the West Indies citrus industry; that the export of citrus products is subsidised by the United States of America; and whether, under the terms of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, he will ask for a discussion on the limitations of these subsidies.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI am aware that the export of citrus products to certain markets is subsidised by the United States Government, but I have no evidence that the subsidies are injuring the interests of the West Indies citrus industry whose markets at present lie in countries which are restricting imports from the dollar area for balance of payments reasons.
In these circumstances, I do not consider that anything will be gained by taking acton under Article XVI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. If, however, my hon. Friend has specific evidence of injury to the West Indies' industry and will supply it to me, I will consider it.