HC Deb 15 February 1972 vol 831 c234
18. Mr. Tilney

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the establishment of one or two free trade zones in development areas.

Mr. Higgins

This is not a simple matter, but if specific proposals are put forward by industry we shall be prepared without commitment to examine them.

Mr. Tilney

Since Germany has five free ports and Italy six, is it not sensible for this country, as an applicant to the European Economic Community, to follow the Irish tradition and have manufacturing, as at Shannon, in one of our development areas?

Mr. Higgins

We shall be prepared, without commitment, to examine the kind of proposal which my hon. Friend suggested. The existing system for giving duty relief on imported goods and materials which are re-exported or used in making goods for export is flexible, well understood, and works well, and it involves fewer restrictions and controls than are likely to be involved in a Customs-free trade zone.