§ 16. Mr. Edelmanasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the adverse effect of the introduction of the Common Market on the British motor industry what reduction he expects in British exports of motor cars to the Common Market countries; and what action he is taking in order to offset the disadvantageous consequences to the motor industry of the establishment of the Common Market.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganThe reduction of tariffs and the extension of quotas if confined to trade between the Common Market countries would place British industry at a disadvantage, but I cannot assess the effect which this might have on our motor car exports. We shall continue to work in Europe for solutions which would avoid these developments.
§ Mr. EdelmanIn view of the likelihood of the Common Market adversely affecting the British motor industry, will the President of the Board of Trade consider approaching the Scandinavian countries, which have been talking of creating a northern association, in order to see whether they might enlarge the import of British motor cars by bilateral or multilateral agreements?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganI think that I would rather see that question on the Order Paper.