§ 9. Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the progress of discussions in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development on the grant of generalised preferences by advanced countries to developing countries.
§ Mr. John DaviesI have nothing to add to the reply to the hon. Member for Farnworth (Mr. Roper) and the right hon. Member for East Ham, North (Mr. Prentice) on 8th February.—[Vol. 811, c. 29–30.]
§ Mr. BlakerMay I draw to my right hon. Friend's attention the position of Hong Kong in these negotiations? The 12 House has already been informed that the E.E.C. is prepared to accept Hong Kong as a beneficiary country. What is the position of the United States and Japan? Can my right hon. Friend report any progress on that front?
§ Mr. DaviesI understand that Japan also expects to be able to include Hong Kong in some certain special arrangements which it wishes to make, but nonetheless to include it in its own arrangements. I have no further news about the United States, but I am very hopeful that it, too, will find it possible to include the colony in its arrangements.
§ Sir G. de FreitasWill the right hon. Gentleman remember that, as long ago as November, I was told in the House that the Government would introduce legislation on generalised preference along the lines of the E.E.C.? Can he tell me when that is likely to be?
§ Mr. DaviesAs the right hon. Gentleman knows, it is the Government's intention, along with other Governments concerned, to bring in legislation this year. That remains the Government's intention, in order to fulfil their general undertakings to make these arrangements effective before the year's end. But I cannot be more specific than that.