§ 17 and 18. Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what action he is taking to eliminate non-tariff barriers to agricultural trade between the members of the European Free Trade Association;
(2) what action he is taking, in view of the elimination of tariffs between the members of the European Free Trade Association on 31st December, 1966, to move towards the harmonisation of agricultural price levels.
§ Mr. MasonThe E.F.T.A. Convention does not require the elimination of non-tariff barriers to trade in the agricultural sector or the harmonisation of agricultural price levels, and we are not taking action for either purpose in E.F.T.A.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerIs not that just the sort of initiative which the Government might well take in order to improve trade among the members of E.F.T.A. and also to set an example to the Six so that we may all go forward together?
§ Mr. MasonAs the tariffs on industrial goods are gradually eliminated, an examination will take place as to how E.F.T.A. can be strengthened, and no doubt this will be one of the talking points.
§ Mr. Peter EmeryDoes not the hon. Gentleman appreciate that the Council of Europe wishes to work along this line and that it is no encouragement to it when the hon. Gentleman makes that sort of answer? Is he not aware that his right hon. Friend's statement about entering Europe is nonsense if the Board of Trade will not take action along this line?