§ Q3. Mr. Martenasked the Prime Minister if, on his forthcoming visit to the United States of America, he will discuss with President Nixon the future of Great Britain's trade relations with the United States of America.
§ The Prime MinisterYes. Sir.
§ Mr. MartenAs it seems difficult to visualise that the Government will ever get what my right hon. Friend called in his Paris speech the wholehearted support of the British people for entering the Common Market, will he assure us that, in the best interests of this country, he will discuss our trading relations with America on the dual basis of if we do get into and if we do not get into the Common Market?
§ The Prime MinisterObviously, one cannot give details of a conversation that is to take place, but as far as trade matters generally are concerned I should wish to discuss with the President the present position on trading relations between our two countries, and what would be the implications of entry into the E.E.C.
§ Mr. FordWill the Prime Minister convey to the President the great apprehensions of the wool textile industry and the disquiet at the recent restrictive Act which has been passed in the United States?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government have made representations to the American Administration about this matter on a number of occasions, and very forcefully.
§ Q14. Sir G. de Freitasasked the Prime Minister whether during his visit to President Nixon he will discuss protectionism in the United States, especially as it affects British manufactures such as footwear.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the right hon. Member to the replies I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Norwood (Mr. John Fraser) and my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten).
§ Sir G. de FreitasApart from the problems of any particular export industry, will the Prime Minister remind the President that it was the United States tariffs which contributed directly to the world depression of the 'thirties?
§ The Prime MinisterI believe that the President very well recognises that, because his whole approach since coming to office has been to support liberal trade practices. I am sure from my own previous discussions with him that that is still his view.