HC Deb 04 July 1957 vol 572 cc1306-7
59. Mr. Russell

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of United Kingdom exports to the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation countries at present enter those countries free of Customs duty; and if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the proportion admitted free in each country.

Sir D. Eccles

I regret that this information is not available, and could not be obtained without a disproportionate expenditure of time.

Mr. Russell

Does not my right hon. Friend think it essential to have this information before deciding whether there are advantages or disadvantages in entering the Free Trade Area? Does he not feel that he ought to get this information?

Sir D. Eccles

No, Sir, I do not agree with my hon. Friend's suggestion. If, however, there are any trades which think that they are prejudiced in any way, I should be glad to discuss their position either with my hon. Friend or with the trades concerned.

Major Legge-Bourke

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that Commonwealth countries which export goods to Europe have tariff protection of an average percentage in the twenties, whereas the European countries have something less than 10 per cent.? Is it not vital that we should know the other side of the picture too?

Sir D. Eccles

We are examining with the Commonwealth representatives next week the question of manufactured goods which come both from the Commonwealth and from Europe.