HC Deb 16 April 1957 vol 568 cc1726-7
7. Mr. Hornby

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of imports into Europe from the British Commonwealth is likely, under the existing proposals, to be affected by the inclusion of overseas territories in the Common Market.

Sir D. Eccles

Of total Commonwealth exports to the members of the Customs and Economic Union, about 10 per cent. consists of goods which are also produced by their overseas territories and for which these territories will or may gain tariff preference in all countries of the Union. The extent to which this Commonwealth trade might in practice be affected depends on many factors, including the level of the common tariff ultimately introduced.

Mr. Hornby

Can my right hon. Friend tell us whether any of the Commonwealth producers have indicated that they might welcome greater access to European countries than they have hitherto had?

Sir D. Eccles

No, I do not think so. Some of the Commonwealth producers, of course, are very anxious that the tariff which the six countries put on shall be as low as possible.

Mr. Turton

Could my right hon. Friend publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT details regarding the African Commonwealth territories and Colonies that are particularly affected by the Overseas Territories Convention?

Sir D. Eccles

I will have to discuss that with the Colonial Secretary.