HC Deb 20 December 1962 vol 669 cc1420-1
9. Mr. Jay

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of total United Kingdom imports in 1961 was represented by imports of kangaroo meat, rabbits and fish liver oil.

Mr. Erroll

Separate trade statistics are not available, but it is estimated that total imports in 1961 amounted to about £2.5 million, or 0.06 per cent. of total imports.

Mr. Jay

Will the President of the Board of Trade convey my warmest greetings and congratulations to the Lord Privy Seal on having secured, after 14 months of negotiation, free entry into the United Kingdom for 0.06 per cent. of our total imports?

Mr. Erroll

I was expecting the right hon. Gentleman to have a bit of fun with this Question and Answer. I will certainly pass on his greetings to my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal.

Mr. Jay

Does the President of the Board of Trade think that it is altogether fun?

Mr. Erroll

We never said that this would be an important element in the negotiations. Very much larger values have been secured for duty-free entry under other headings.