HC Deb 08 February 1967 vol 740 cc1623-4
4. Mr. Winnick

asked the President of the Board of Trade what plans are in hand to deal with the difficulties of British exports to the member countries of the European Economic Community when internal tariff duties between those countries are completely abolished.

Mr. Darling

We shall continue to direct our economic policies towards increasing the competitive power of British industry and to offer a wide range of of 1966. It turned downwards, as one would expect, after the July measures and is now appearing to level off.

Following are the figures:

Government aids to the promotion of exports. Meanwhile we aim to achieve through the Kennedy Round a general reduction in tariffs affecting our exports.

Mr. Winnick

Would not my hon. Friend agree that it would be rather useful at this stage to work on the basis that it is possible that we shall not enter the Common Market, and to recognise the various difficulties which this policy will entail?

Mr. Darling

Yes. That is one reason why we are putting a great deal of effort into the Kennedy Round, which is desirable whatever happens in possible negotiations about the Common Market. But my hon. Friend should not be too pessimistic, for we have more than doubled our exports to the E.E.C. since 1958.