HC Deb 19 February 1957 vol 565 cc198-9
32. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the President of the Board of Trade what preference is enjoyed by Commonwealth countries in regard to exporting their products to this country; and what benefits they give to imports from this country.

Mr. Walker-Smith

Almost all Commonwealth exports to this country are admitted free of protective duty and in addition many of them have the benefit of a tariff preference over foreign goods. United Kingdom exports to Commonwealth countries do not enjoy a corresponding exemption from protective duties, but a large proportion enjoy significant, and in some cases substantial, margins of preference.

Mr. Hynd

Is the Minister doing what he can to achieve reciprocity between the Commonwealth countries and this country in this respect?

Mr. Walker-Smith

As the hon. Member, with his experience of these matters, will be aware, we do not measure reciprocity in trade industry by industry or country by country, but look at the totality of our trade.