HC Deb 16 April 1973 vol 855 cc5-7
2 . Mr. Jay

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether in the GATT negotiations on liberalisation of international trade this autumn he will put forward proposals for freer trade in agricultural products and foodstuffs in particular.

The Minister for Trade and Consumer Affairs (Sir Geoffrey Howe)

We are at present considering with the other members of the EEC the Community's position on subjects to be covered in these GATT negotiations. The Community has already stated that these should cover agricultural as well as industrial products.

Mr. Jay

Is that not a quite inadequate answer to give the House of Commons at this stage, now that President Nixon has sent to Congress a Trade Bill which will give him power to move towards either freer trade or greater protection according to the response he gets from other countries? Is it not essential that there should be a British initiative for much freer trade in agricultural products, which both British and American interests require?

Sir G. Howe

British initiatives in this matter are taken within the context of the EEC. The enlarged Community will speak with one voice for all member nations in the actual negotiations. Within that context, we are able to put forward our viewpoint and we of course accept the commitment to liberalisation of trade set out by the summit meeting.

Mr. Biffen

Does that mean that the Commission will conduct the negotiations. or the Governments, or both?

Sir G. Howe

The enlarged Community will speak with one voice for all member countries in the actual negotiations, but of course this country will be putting forward its own proposals in the context of the Community s performance on our behalf.

Mr. Shore

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that the dumping of agricultural produce is ruinous to international trade in agriculture? Does not he look upon the butter deal last week as an appalling example of dumping in the world food trade? In view of the reports over the weekend, will he tell us whether the butter will be resold to Chile?

Sir G. Howe

I am not able to comment on the last point. The Community accepts, as much as other parties to the negotiations accept, that multilateral negotiations will include an agricultural content in which questions of that kind can no doubt be taken into account.

5 . Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a further statement on preparations for the forthcoming GATT negotiations.

Sir G. Howe

The EEC Commission has made a statement of position and the United States Trade Bill has been published. These are important steps to wards a negotiation.

Mr. Marten

Although one is forced to conclude from the answer to Question No. 2 that the Government appear to have lost their sovereign voice in these matters, can my right hon. and learned Friend be a little bold and tell us whether the Government agree to the abolition of export subsidies in agriculture, in terms of these negotiations?

Sir G. Howe

I have already explained that Her Majesty's Government are put ting forward their view on the contents of the forthcoming negotiations within the context of the Community. The Commission's preliminary statement on the position has already made it clear that although it would resist any attack on the principles of the common agricultural policy it must equally be prepared to apply the instruments of that policy in such a way that its broad objective of expanding world trade is achieved.

Mr. Benn

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the answers he has given to this Question and to Question No. 2 constitute a total abdication of ministerial accountability to this House, in that unless Parliament knows what are the negotiating objectives of the British Government it will have no way of knowing whether they have been met by the Common Market when it enters into these negotiations? Is he telling us that from now on the Government will not give any indication of their view until a compromise has been reached with the other members of the Community?

Sir G. Howe

I am telling the House no such thing. I have already referred to the statement made by Sir Christopher Soames on behalf of the Commission and have noted the liberal and constructive approach proposed. I believe that these proposals will provide a useful basis for the formulation of a common Community approach.

Mr. Powell

In what form will Her Majesty's Government's views on this subject be made known to the House of Commons?

Sir G. Howe

Arrangements can be made for them to be canvassed by the House as they come to be put forward. The House is already familiar with the arrangements made by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House for in forming the House of matters as they come up on the agenda of the Council of Ministers.

Mr. Marten

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.