HC Deb 26 February 1957 vol 565 c1023
18. Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the negotiations for a new trade agreement with Australia.

Sir D. Eccles

I am glad to state that the new Agreement based on the Heads of Agreement announced last November was signed in Canberra today. Copies are available in the Vote Office.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

In thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask whether he is satisfied that British exports will continue to receive worthwhile margins of preference in Australia?

Sir D. Eccles

Yes, Sir. The British preference will be from 7½ per cent. to 10 per cent. over a very wide range of goods.