§ 7. Mr. Jayasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Governments of Australia and New Zealand propose to continue after January, 1973, the free entry and preference rights hitherto enjoyed by British exports to those countries.
§ Sir G. HoweBoth the Australian and the New Zealand Governments have indicated that as from 1st February, 1973, when the trade agreements according certain margins of preference to our exports will have been terminated, they expect to eliminate these margins in a progressive reconstruction of their tariffs which will extend over a period of years.
§ Mr. JayDoes that answer mean that the preference for British exports in these important markets is now to disappear altogether?
§ Sir G. HoweThe answer expounds precisely what was outlined as the consequences of accession to the Community on the terms negotiated and involves—
§ Mr. Arthur LewisThe answer is "Yes."
§ Sir G. Howe—variations in the tariffs of the two countries in question over a period of years.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWhen we are in the Community will Her Majesty's Government do everything possible to increase trade between Australia, New Zealand and the Community of which we shall form a part? Do the Government have definite plans in mind for this?
§ Sir G. HoweThe extent to which the Government were concerned to increase and maintain trade between Australia, New Zealand and the Community was apparent from the terms arrived at in the negotiations which went a long way to protect important elements in the trade of both countries with the Community and this country.