HC Deb 14 June 1967 vol 748 cc538-9
24 and 25. Sir J. Eden

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what measures he now proposes to take to help British industry to prepare for the increased competition it will encounter in the event of the United Kingdom joining the Common Market;

(2) what assessment he has made as to which sections of British industry will be most affected in the event of the United Kingdom joining the Common Market.

48. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the President of the Board of Trade for which industries and trades special arrangements will have to be made as a result of British membership of the European Economic Community.

Mr. Jay

The Government have already adopted a wide variety of measures to assist the efficiency and competitiveness of British industry, and these will be helpful in the event of our joining the European Economic Community. The effects of entry on particular sectors of British industry will, of course, depend upon the terms of any agreement reached.

Sir J. Eden

Has not the right hon. Gentleman made any special study of the likely impact of British membership of the Common Market on certain sections of British industry? Is he taking no special steps to try to anticipate the day when we join the Common Market by trying to strengthen the competitiveness of British industry?

Mr. Jay

Yes, Sir. We are taking a great many steps, including the National Productivity Conference which I should be attending at this moment if I were not answering Questions here. All these steps will tend to enhance the competitiveness of British industry, which is highly desirable whether we join the E.E.C. or not.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Can the right hon. Gentleman not go further than that? Both he and his right hon. Friends have said from time to time that special arrangements must be made for certain industries. Would he not make clear which these industries are?

Mr. Jay

Any special arrangements affecting particular industries will, of course, emerge only in the course of negotiations, and unless and until those negotiations take place it is impossible to give precise answers about them.

Sir J. Eden

With particular reference to Question No. 25, will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the I.R.C. is making any special study of this point?

Mr. Jay

The I.R.C. is engaged on discussions with industry about greater efficiency in particular industries, and in the course of those discussions it will certainly take into account—so far as is possible in view of the uncertainties—the possibility of the United Kingdom joining the E.E.C.