HC Deb 18 June 1964 vol 696 cc1453-4
3 and 4. Mr. McMaster

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development (1) what duties are levied by Eire on imports from the United Kingdom;

(2) what duties are levied by the United Kingdom on imports from Eire.

Mr. du Cann

The duties payable by British goods imported into the Irish Republic are stated in the Tariff of the Irish Republic of which there is a copy in the Library. Most goods from the Republic enter Britain duty free.

Mr. McMaster

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, might I ask him if he is aware of the imbalance in trade due to the difference in the tariffs imposed by the Republic of Ireland on United Kingdom goods and the fact that there are no tariffs, or practically none, in the reverse direction? Is he aware that the imbalance that results favours Northern Ireland in trade between Northern Ireland the Republic of Ireland?

Mr. du Cann

This is certainly a complex matter. At least one-fifth of British exports to the Republic are not subject to duty. A very much larger number is entering the Republic duty free. The agreements provide for a review from time to time, and we shall always be ready to consider any particular case which my hon. Friend wants to bring to our attention.

Mr. Jay

Would it be rash to suggest that the difficulties could be solved if the Republic of Ireland were to join E.F.T.A., or is that so sensible a sug gestion that it has no chance of being accepted?

Mr. du Cann

The right hon. Gentleman's suggestions are always sensible. The difficulty about a suggestion of this sort is that it is not a matter for which I am responsible.