§ 14. Mr. Blakerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from other countries about the proposed extension of the import deposits scheme.
§ Mr. DiamondThe Government of the Irish Republic have made representations which we shall be discussing with them later this month.
§ Mr. BlakerThe Minister will be aware that the E.F.T.A. Council, at its recent Ministerial meeting, expressed concern about the continuance of the import deposits scheme and agreed, in effect, not to take any decision on its legality. Is that not rather unsatisfactory, and will the Government ask the E.F.T.A. Council to resolve the matter? What is the position regarding the I.M.F. and the G.A.T.T.?
§ Mr. DiamondThe exact position as regards the E.F.T.A. decision is contained in the communiqué of the meeting of 6th–7th November, which said:
While welcoming the recent evidence of improvement in the economic situation of the 1276 U.K., expressed concern at the continuation of the import deposits scheme. The Ministers instructed the Council at official level, which had already been charged with keeping the situation under review, to re-examine the effects of the scheme before the next Ministerial meeting.That re-examination is going on.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodWould the right hon. Gentleman clarify his original reply? Does he mean that just one governmental representation has been received, or is he including representations from trading associations and individuals?
§ Mr. DiamondI am including governmental and inter-governmental, if I may so refer to E.F.T.A., representations.