HL Deb 27 February 1969 vol 299 cc1195-6
VISCOUNT MONCKTON OF BRENCHLEY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the customs duty on imported matches from Sweden and the United States of America; and what would be the duty on imported matches from Malta.]

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, the rate of customs duty on matches imported from Sweden is 13s. 9d. per short standard of 7,200 matches. The rate on matches imported from the United States is 14s. 5d. per short standard, and that would also be the rate on matches imported from Malta.

VISCOUNT MONCKTON OF BRENCHLEY

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that Answer (and, at the same time, I declare an interest) may I ask whether he thinks it right that a Commonwealth developing country should have to pay the same import duty as foreign countries, and more than those in EFTA? Following on that question, may I ask whether there is any progress in the talks going on in GATT in relation to matches in Europe?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, so far as the general Commonwealth issue is concerned, we are here talking only about matches; there is a preference for other products. There is a differential here between manufacturers in other countries and those in the EFTA countries, who are on the same basis as United Kingdom manufacturers. It is only 1d for 900 matches, if my arithmetic is correct—one twentieth of a penny per box—which I should not have thought was decisive. The noble Viscount spoke about the developing countries and the O.E.C.D. talks. I understand that yesterday it was suggested that matches might be included on the list of those items for which developing countries may be given a preference without contravening GATT, but this is a matter for further discussion among the other O.E.C.D. members and I cannot say what the outcome will be.

VISCOUNT MONCKTON OF BRENCHLEY

My Lords, I thank the noble Lords for that answer. On the first part of his answer, does he realise that in fact that difference, small though it is in cash, is a difference between profit and loss to a small country which is trying to export to our country which itself has a favourable balance of trade with Malta?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, I am always greatly interested in Malta and I have tried in other capacities to encourage light industry there. But we shall see what comes out of the O.E.C.D. talks.

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