HC Deb 03 March 1960 vol 618 cc1395-6
4. Mr. Wade

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any progress to report on the re-negotiation with the United States Government of the arrangements relating to the tariff quota on woollen and worsted cloth imports.

Mr. Erroll

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on 9th February to the hon. Member for Batley and Morley (Dr. Broughton). He has no further progress to report at present.

Mr. Wade

Is the Minister aware that the continuation of the tariff quota in 1960 came as a great disappointment to many firms in the West Riding of Yorkshire? Can he give any indication whether the negotiations will be completed in time for new arrangements to be made for 1961, or, better still, can he offer any hope of persuading the United States Government to abolish the tariff quota altogether?

Mr. Erroll

The United States authorities are aware of our desire to see negotiations completed as soon as possible, but they have made clear—and we accept it—that the various inquiries will take a considerable time.

Mr. Tiley

Has my right hon. Friend received any reply to the protest that he made about the unfairness of the operation of the quota in connection with the dumping of cheap cloth by our competitors in Italy and Japan, which prejudices the West Riding of Yorkshire?

Mr. Erroll

All aspects of this matter are being considered by the United States authorities, including the one put forward by my hon. Friend.