§ 9. Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guarantees he is now offering to Asian countries in the Commonwealth that the level of trade they currently have with Great Britain will not be reduced if Great Britain enters the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleWe and the Community have said that it will be our continuing objective to expand and reinforce 1034 existing trade relations with these countries.
The European Economic Community is ready from the date of our accession to examine with these countries any problems that may arise in the field of trade with a view to seeking a satisfactory solution.
§ Mr. MeacherSince only 20 per cent. of the imports of the Six come from developing countries compared with our 26 per cent. and since the Asian members of the Commonwealth have not been offered associate status within the Community, will the Minister acknowledge that under present arrangements these countries, which comprise one-fifth of the world's population, will suffer a serious loss of trade if Britain enters the EEC?
§ Mr. RoyleThe majority of exports from these countries to the United Kingdom will not be affected by our gradual adoption of the common external tariff either because the rates of duty will be zero—for instance, tea—or because of the Community's generalised scheme of preferences.
§ Mr. Selwyn GummerDoes my hon. Friend agree that already the European Economic Community has changed its policy considerably towards those countries and has much liberalised trade with them?