GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE

HC Deb 21 January 1971 vol 809 c1266

Q2. Mr. Sheldon

asked the Prime Minister if he will seek to visit the headquarters of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

Mr. Maudling

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend has at present no plans to do so.

Mr. Sheldon

One matter that the Prime Minister may wish to discuss with G.A.T.T. is the opinion of his hon. Friends that certain import tariffs should be reduced to introduce foreign competition into goods by comparison with what is produced in this country. Has the Prime Minister now decided against this?

Mr. Maudling

No, not at all. Successive Governments have always pursued the belief, which I am sure is right, that this country's economic interests lie in the freest possible exchange of goods internationally. In fact, the more competition the better, because this country can thrive on competition.