HC Deb 17 June 1965 vol 714 cc873-4
15. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the de facto implementation of the new Part IV of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade has affected, and is expected to affect, the United Kingdom's trade with Commonwealth and other developing countries, respectively.

Mr. Jay

It will not be possible for some time to make any such assessment.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

To what extent is the United Kingdom's undertaking to give preference to developing countries dependent upon like action to be taken by other developed countries? Will any additional preference be given to developing countries within the Commonwealth?

Mr. Jay

It is wholly so dependent. I am here in agreement with right hon. Gentlemen opposite, who made the offer previously at Geneva, that we would be prepared to give similar free access to developing countries outside the Commonwealth if other industrial countries would similarly give free access or preference both to developing countries within the Commonwealth and outside. That offer stands and that is our policy. I think it is beneficial to the Commonwealth and to developing countries as a whole.

Mr. Dell

What estimate has my right hon. Friend made of the effect on Commonwealth trade of the recent conditional acceptance of the new Part IV G.A.T.T. by Australia?

Mr. Jay

I think this is limited to increased trade with Australia by developing countries, but that is only one element in the matter.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

On a point of order. I am sure the President of the Board of Trade wanted to answer the second part of my question, which was whether if such preferences are given to developing countries the Commonwealth developing countries would get additional preference.

Mr. Jay

Yes, certainly the Commonwealth developing countries would gain great advantages from the achievements of non-Commonwealth developed countries. That is what we should like to see.