HC Deb 12 November 1959 vol 613 c592
43. Mr. Wade

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the removal of quota restrictions on goods imported into this country from the United States of America, what further representations have been made to the Government of the United States of America for the removal of the wool tariff quota restricting the import into the United States of America of goods from this country.

Mr. Erroll

The United States Administration agreed last September, at the request of Her Majesty's Government, to re-negotiate the wool tariff quota and I hope it will be possible to arrange for this to be done as soon as the necessary preliminary inquiries in Washington have been completed.

Mr. Wade

While I welcome the removal of quota restrictions, whether by this country or by other countries, may I ask the Minister whether he agrees that this American wool tariff quota is a particularly objectionable form of restriction? Would it not be appropriate to endeavour to persuade the American Government that the removal of this quota altogether so as to coincide with the removal of these import restrictions would in some respects benefit America?

Mr. Erroll

This is a very difficult question. The American Government have recognised the problem in their willingness to re-negotiate the whole matter.

Mr. Jay

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this tariff quota is regarded by many Americans as well as by people here as a vicious form of protectionism? Why should not the Americans be willing to make a concession here at the same time as we are making a concession for them?

Mr. Erroll

Because that would have been very complicated to arrange.