HC Deb 07 July 1953 vol 517 c1037
24. Mr. Beresford Craddock

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the United States of America attaches to any trading concession given under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade a condition that such concessions may be withdrawn if damage to home industry is likely to be caused, Her Majesty's Government will assume power to take similar action in connection with existing or future preference margins within the Empire and Commonwealth.

Mr. Mackeson

The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade already provides that all contracting parties—ourselves as well as the United States—may, subject to certain conditions, withdraw or modify negotiated tariff concessions in the event of serious injury to domestic producers.

Mr. Beswick

Is the Minister aware that special concessions in trade are now granted as between one State of the American Union and another? Why, then, should the United States Administration complain because similar concessions are granted as between one unit of the British Commonwealth and another?