European Economic Community

HC Deb 14 May 1959 vol 605 cc1403-5

11. Mr. Leather

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what principal items of Commonwealth imports into the United Kingdom were covered by the terms proposed for United Kingdom membership of the European Common Market; and what percentage, by value, these items make up of the total imports from the Commonwealth.

Mr. Erroll

If the United Kingdom were to become a member of the European Economic Community on the same terms as the present members the common external tariff of the Six would apply to Commonwealth goods, including foodstuffs and raw materials, entering the United Kingdom. This would mean that over a wide field Commonwealth goods would cease to enjoy free entry into the United Kingdom.

Mr. Leather

Can my hon. Friend give us some idea of what percentage of the overall picture this represents so that we can really see how big the problem is?

Mr. Erroll

It is not possible to give an exact percentage because the terms of the Question are necessarily hypothetical. The common external tariff of the Six has not yet been finally worked out.

Mr. Jay

Will it mean a tariff on Canadian wheat, for instance?

Mr. Erroll

I would not say that it would mean a tariff on Canadian wheat, but commodities which are admitted duty-free into this country and would also, as far as we know, be admitted duty-free into the Common Market countries amount to only about 15 per cent. of total Commonwealth imports into this country. With regard to wheat. I should like notice of the question.

15. Mr. Cronin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Government's policy with regard to the formation of a European Free Trade Area which does not include the common market countries.

Mr. Erroll

As has often been stated, a multilateral association of the members of the European Economic Community with the other members of O.E.E.C. remains the objective of Her Majesty's Government. We continue to examine all possible steps, including an association of the kind to which the hon. Member refers, which might help towards this end.

Mr. Cronin

May we take it that the Government will be undeterred by their previous failures and will persevere in getting a proper solution?

Mr. Erroll

I assure the hon. Gentleman that our ultimate goal remains the association of the Six with the other countries of O. E. E. C.

Mr. Chetwynd

Is not it true that at the moment the Government are sitting back and doing nothing and merely waiting for some initiative to come from the Six?

Mr. Erroll

No. I could not accept the implication in that supplementary question.

Mr. Oakshott

Is not it true that under the chairmanship of my right hon. Friend the Paymaster-General the Inter-Governmental Committee of O.E.E.C. worked for a very long time to try to reach some form of multilateral association? Will he recognise the very real political and economic dangers of a continued schism in Europe. and do all he can to bring about this association?

Mr. Erroll

I know that my right hon. Friend the Paymaster-General will be very glad to read the tribute which my hon. Friend has paid to him, and will continue to work as hard as he can in this direction.