HC Deb 08 March 1971 vol 813 cc26-7
32. Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the approximate percentage of the world's population that lives within the European Free Trade Association countries and the percentage of world trade which is accounted for by the European Free Trade Association.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Three per cent. and 16 per cent., respectively, in 1969.

Mr. Morris

Will the hon. Gentleman compare these figures with the comparable figures for the European Economic Community? Is he aware that if he does so, he will come back to the well-justified scepticism which was referred to by his hon. Friend the Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen)?

Mr. Grant

I do not think that that conclusion can be drawn at all. The E.E.C. coutries accounted for five per cent. of the world's population and 27 per cent. of world imports.