HC Deb 25 June 1957 vol 572 cc4-5
5 and 6. Mr. P. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will give a list of goods on which there are quota restrictions of imports on entry into the United Kingdom of United States goods, and vice versa;

(2) how many instances of reductions in quotas there have been since 1950 in respect of imports into the United Kingdom of United States goods and vice versa; and how many increases in quotas.

Mr. Walker-Smith

For the main categories of United States goods which are subject to quantitative restrictions, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement circulated in answer to the hon. Member for Northfield (Mr. Chapman) on 20th February, 1956, as amended in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Mr. D. Price) on 21st February, 1957. To analyse the many variations in quota levels both upwards and downwards at different dates since 1950 would involve a disproportionate amount of labour, but some 200 items, mainly raw materials and basic foodstuffs, have been freed from control during this period. Imports into the United States from the United Kingdom are almost wholly free of quantitative restriction.