HC Deb 09 November 1954 vol 532 cc1026-8
22. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the current negotiations about the future of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, he will press for an amendment of the provisions about discriminatory internal taxation so as to leave Her Majesty's Government free to use fiscal means to support Utility schemes or other arrangements designed to promote the maintenance and improvement of quality standards.

Mr. Low

The provisions of the General Agreement to which the right hon. Gentleman refers afford a very valuable safeguard for our export trade, and it would not be in our interest to change them.

Mr. Wilson

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recall that hon. Members on both sides of the House are in difficulties following the report of the Douglas Committee, and will he not have another look at this matter, making it quite clear that we propose this only where quality standards are involved?

Mr. Low

I also recall that it was the right hon. Gentleman who pledged himself, at the Torquay meeting of G.A.T.T., to do away with the discrimination in favour of home-manufactured goods given under the Utility scheme.

23. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the current negotiations about the future of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, he will press for an alteration of those provisions which prevent Her Majesty's Government from instituting a renters' quota for imported cinematograph films.

Mr. Low

No, Sir.

Mr. Wilson

Here, again, I know the right hon. Gentleman is prepared to quote what was said in 1948, but have not both parties learned by experience since 1948 that a renters' quota would be a more effective and fair means of dealing with the situation than what has been done under the Cinematograph Films Act?

Mr. Low

No, Sir. I have no evidence that that would be so. I distinctly recall what the right hon. Gentleman said in 1948. He said: After considering very carefully the arguments advanced on both sides the Government came to the conclusion that the case for abolishing renters' quota is the stronger.…"—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 21st January, 1948; Vol. 446, c. 222.]

Mr. Wilson

Does this mean that while we have learned from experience of this Act, the right hon. Gentleman has not?

Mr. Low

I think that experience shows that, in fact, the right hon. Gentleman was right.