HC Deb 04 December 1972 vol 847 cc898-9
20. Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has for the next round of tariff reductions in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

Mr. Peter Walker

We shall play our full part in the preparatory work within the enlarged Community which, as agreed at the summit conference, will decide by July next year on a global approach to the 1973 trade negotiations.

Mr. Marten

Bearing in mind that in four weeks' time Britain loses its independent voice within the GATT, will my right hon. Friend say now, before we lose that independent voice, whether the Government support the American suggestion for abolishing tariffs in industrial trade and whether by contrast they oppose the absurd Common Market attitude that the common external tariff must be maintained merely as a crucial element in holding the Common Market together?

Mr. Walker

The period over which the discussions will take place comes after we have joined the Community, and it is right that on these matters we should confer with our partners in the Community as to the joint approach of Europe on the topic.

Mr. Benn

Is the right hon. Gentleman saying that where there are Community talks of that kind, the House should not be told the attitude of the British Government in advance and that the matter is to be left entirely to negotiation with the Common Market partners, or are we to be given the opportunity of knowing what is the negotiating position of the British Ministers so that we may have a view before the talks take place?

Mr. Walker

The attitudes and views of British Ministers on these topics will be known, but on such a matter we shall review with our partners basic patterns of world trade and develop a coherent policy.

Mr. Jay

As the American proposals are much the most far-reaching and most liberal since the Kennedy Round, cannot the Government say now that they will broadly support them?

Mr. Walker

It is the Government's duty first to confer and discuss the matter with our future partners in the Community and to develop a coherent policy which is very much in the interests of Europe and Britain.

Mr. Powell

In what form will the views and proposals of Her Majesty's Government be laid before the House in advance of the discussions?

Mr. Walker

I shall consider ways in which the House can be kept informed of the discussion we have with our partners in the Community.